Resolve pending issues on priority to expedite metro work: Central team

Patna: A team of senior officials from the Centre and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on Monday reviewed the progress of the Patna Metro Rail Project and stressed the need to accelerate work to ensure timely completion of Bihar’s largest urban transport infrastructure project.The high-level review meeting was chaired by Baldev Purushartha, joint secretary in the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), ministry of finance, Govt of India. Senior officials from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Patna Metro Rail Corporation Limited (PMRCL), Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), DEA and JICA attended the meeting.Officials carried out a detailed assessment of the project’s current status, construction activities, implementation progress, and key milestones.

Discussions focused on resolving bottlenecks that could impact execution, with stakeholders deliberating on measures to speed up construction and improve coordination.Purushartha emphasised the need for stronger coordination and continuous communication among all agencies involved. He directed officials to resolve pending issues on priority and further accelerate construction to ensure the project is completed within the stipulated timeframe.

Among those present were Jaideep, Officer on Special Duty (Urban Transport) at MoHUA and chairman of PMRCL; PMRCL managing director Sandeep Kumar R Pudkalakatti; JICA representatives Sato Yosuke and Suzuki Shogo; and DEA deputy secretary Manoj Kumar.Earlier in the day, Yosuke and Shogo inspected key construction sites of the Patna Metro. Accompanied by senior PMRCL and DMRC officials, the delegation reviewed ongoing work and received updates on project status and future plans.The visit began at Bhootnath Metro Station, from where the delegation travelled by metro train to ISBT Metro Station. They later inspected the Patna Metro depot, reviewing its operational and maintenance facilities, before returning to Bhootnath Station while assessing passenger amenities, operational arrangements and service quality.The delegation also inspected the underground section of Moin-ul-Haq Stadium Metro Station, where construction is underway.

They reviewed construction quality, safety compliance, and the pace of execution at multiple sites.Expressing satisfaction with the progress, JICA representatives said the project was advancing in line with its planned objectives. They expressed confidence that continued coordination among stakeholders would ensure timely completion.Officials noted that the Patna Metro Rail Project is expected to transform the city’s public transport system by providing a modern, safe, reliable and environmentally sustainable mode of transport, significantly easing traffic congestion and improving urban mobility.