PATNA, Sept. 9 -- The long-delayed Patna Metro Rail project, a cornerstone of Bihar's urban transformation, marked a historic milestone with the commencement of trial runs on Sunday, signalling progress just weeks before the anticipated announcement of the state assembly elections. With state elections expected in November, the NDA government is fast-tracking the project's 6.49 km priority stretch of corridor II (Blue Line) from Malahi Pakri to New ISBT, aiming for PM Modi to inaugurate operations before the polls. This partial launch, initiated with Modi's virtual foundation stone-laying from Barauni on February 17 in 2019, is positioned as a significant electoral gift, highlighting the ruling alliance's commitment to delivering modern infrastructure to sway voters in Patna and beyond. "The trial run, conducted on an 800-meter track from New ISBT to Bhoothnath Metro Station, tested critical systems including speed, braking, signaling and safety protocols under the supervision of the Patna Metro Rail Corporation (PMRC) and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) experts," said a senior officer of the PMRC, wishing not to be quoted.. Originally planned for July, the trials were delayed due to incomplete civil works, land acquisition issues and pending security clearances. Now progressing on the elevated priority corridor, which includes five key stations-Malahi Pakri, Khemnichak (an interchange hub for Corridors I and II), Bhootnath, Zero Mile and New ISBT-the tests cover high-traffic zones, offering a glimpse of the metro's potential to cut travel times by up to 50% and ease Patna's chronic congestion. The Rs.13,365-13,925 crore project, funded equally by central and state governments with international support, spans two corridors totaling 31.42 km with 24 stations: Corridor I (Red Line, 16.86 km, mostly elevated) from Danapur to Khemnichak and corridor II (Blue Line, 14.56 km, predominantly underground) from New ISBT to Patna Junction, designed to serve 30,000-40,000 passengers per hour per direction. With the PMRC racing to complete trials by late September, the metro's timely rollout is crucial for the NDA to counter opposition criticism over development delays ahead of the 2025 polls. The proposed fare structure-Rs.15 minimum to Rs.60 maximum, with Rs.30 for 3-6 km and Rs.45 for 6-8 km, pending final approval - alongside planned monthly passes and concessions for students and seniors aims to ensure affordability while sustaining the project's financial viability. Capable of carrying over 2 lakh daily riders once fully operational, the metro promises to reduce emissions and reliance on private vehicles, reinforcing the NDA's narrative of delivering Bihar's urban renaissance. By prioritizing this high-visibility project, the government seeks to cement its electoral appeal with tangible progress in the state's capital....