Bihar is set to enhance its urban transportation network with metro expansion plans covering four major cities: Gaya, Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, and Bhagalpur. The completion of survey work has laid the groundwork for significant public transport improvements in these regions. The metro expansion is an extension of the Bihar government's broader strategy to strengthen urban connectivity, following the on-going Patna Metro project. The Urban Development and Housing Department has received feasibility reports from RITES, detailing the proposed metro networks for each city. Overview of Metro Rail Projects in Bihar Each city’s metro system will have distinct route lengths and corridor structures tailored to local requirements. Gaya is expected to have the longest network at 36 km, while Darbhanga will feature an 18.8 km metro line. Every city will include two dedicated corridors to improve mobility and reduce congestion. Gaya Metro (36 km, 28 Stations) - North-South Corridor (22.60 km, 18 stations): Connecting the Airport, Bodh Gaya, and the Railway Station. - East-West Corridor (13.48 km, 10 stations): Linking BIPARD, Vishnupad Temple, and Manpur Bus Stand. - This metro network will provide extensive coverage, including key religious and transport hubs. Darbhanga Metro (18.8 km, 18 Stations) - Corridor 1 (8.90 km, 8 stations): Connecting the Airport to Darbhanga Medical College & Hospital (DMCH). - Corridor 2 (9.90 km, 10 stations): Extending from Polytechnic to Bijuli. - The metro will connect the airport and medical institutions, improving accessibility for residents and visitors. Muzaffarpur Metro (21.25 km, 20 Stations) - Corridor 1 (13.85 km, 13 stations): Connecting Harpur Bakhri to Ramdayalu. - Corridor 2 (7.40 km, 7 stations): From SKMCH to the Railway Junction. - The routes will enhance connectivity to critical locations such as Shree Krishna Medical College and the Railway Junction. Bhagalpur Metro (24 km, 24 Stations) - Phase 1 (12 km, 12 stations): From Saidpur to Champanagar. - Phase 2 (7 km, 6 stations): Connecting Bhagalpur Station to Vastu Vihar. - Phase 3 (5 km, 4 stations): Linking Bhagalpur Station to Champanagar. - The metro system will provide comprehensive coverage across the city, improving access to key destinations. Next Steps in Implementation With survey work finalized, the Bihar government will now review feasibility reports and advance planning and approval processes. Initial plans estimated metro routes of approximately 20 km per city, but public demand has led to extensions for better service coverage. News source: Metro Rail TodayImage Source: jagran