Break on metro project of four cities of Bihar, waiting for DPR even after two years

Patna: The metro rail project in four major cities of Bihar—Muzaffarpur, Gaya, Darbhanga, and Bhagalpur—has not progressed as expected. Despite the completion of preliminary surveys and feasibility studies for these ambitious projects of the state government, the process of preparing detailed project reports (DPRs) has not yet begun. Consequently, plans to launch metro services in these cities appear to be slowing down.

The state government had decided to launch metro rail projects in these four cities with the aim of modernizing urban transportation systems and reducing rapidly increasing traffic congestion. This was considered a significant step towards urban development in Bihar. However, looking at the current status of the project, it is clear that the plan has not yet progressed beyond the initial stage.

The state cabinet approved the proposal for metro rail projects in Muzaffarpur, Gaya, Darbhanga, and Bhagalpur in June 2024. Following the cabinet approval, the public sector company RITES was entrusted with the responsibility of initial technical work for the project. The company was tasked with conducting surveys, traffic studies, route selection, and preparing a feasibility report.

According to the deadline, RITES was to submit its report to the government by November 2024. However, due to the delay in gathering suggestions at various levels and the additional time taken for technical studies, the report was not submitted on time. Subsequently, incorporating suggestions from public representatives, local administration, and the general public, RITES submitted its survey and feasibility report to the Urban Development and Housing Department on February 16, 2025.

After receiving the report, the next crucial step was to prepare a detailed project report (DPR). Based on the DPR, the project’s total cost, construction structure, financial model, stations, tracks, technical design, and implementation timeline were to be determined. However, even several months after the report was submitted, there has been no concrete progress towards preparing the DPR.

According to sources, despite the feasibility report being available to the Urban Development and Housing Department, there has been no clear information regarding the selection of the agency to prepare the DPR or the initiation of the process. Departmental officials are also refraining from speaking openly about this matter. This has raised many questions about the pace of the project.

Urban development experts say that the DPR is the most important document for any metro project. It is based on this document that guides the process of obtaining approval, financial assistance, and investment from the central government. Until the DPR is ready, no concrete steps can be taken toward project construction.

The announcement of the metro in all four cities was met with considerable enthusiasm. Given the rapid urbanization and traffic congestion, metro service is considered a necessity for the future. Cities like Muzaffarpur, Gaya, Darbhanga, and Bhagalpur have a large daily commute. Therefore, the development of a modern public transport system was expected to improve traffic and boost economic activity.

During the route selection for the project, special attention was paid to connecting the cities’ major railway stations, bus stands, educational institutions, commercial areas, and densely populated areas. Suggestions were also sought from local public representatives and citizens to make the metro network more useful and practical.

However, the delay in the DPR has increased uncertainty regarding the project’s timeline. Experts believe that further delays in preparing the DPR could increase the project’s cost. Furthermore, the process of obtaining approvals and financial sanctions from the central government could also be affected.

Opposition parties are also questioning the government on this issue. They claim that despite making major announcements, projects are not being implemented on time. On the other hand, the government maintains that all technical and administrative procedures are being completed with utmost care and efforts are underway to expedite the project.

Urban planners believe that projects like the metro are crucial to meeting the future transportation needs of Bihar’s major cities. If implemented in a timely manner, these projects will ease traffic congestion, reduce pollution, and give a new direction to urban development.

At present, the Urban Development and Housing Department has not announced an official deadline for the start of the DPR preparation process. Therefore, the people of Muzaffarpur, Gaya, Darbhanga, and Bhagalpur will have to wait for the next phase of the metro project.

All eyes are now on when the government begins the DPR preparation process and what concrete steps are taken to move the project forward. Unless there is visible progress in this direction, the dream of starting metro service in these four cities of Bihar appears unfulfilled.