After the ongoing Metro project, Patna is set to introduce a highly advanced Ultra Pod (Personal Rapid Transit) taxi service. The Bihar government is planning to bring this London-style transport system to the state capital to solve daily traffic issues. Recent meetings between senior officials and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) indicate that the 296 crore project could be completed within 15 months of administrative approval.
Project Details and Proposed Route
The first phase of this driverless pod taxi network will cover a distance of 5 kilometers. It will connect major government and administrative centers in Patna to provide smooth last-mile connectivity.
- Total Stations: 9 proposed stations, with dedicated parking facilities at two locations.
- Key Locations: Visvesvaraya Bhavan, Vikas Bhavan, Bihar Vidhan Sabha, and Old Secretariat.
- Fleet Size: 59 ultra pods will operate on this specific route.
- Capacity: Each pod can comfortably carry 6 passengers at a time.
- Frequency: Commuters will get a pod every 7 seconds at the stations.
Eco-Friendly Features and Ticketing System
A unique aspect of this PRT project is its strict environmental focus. The authorities confirmed that the entire track will be constructed without cutting a single tree.
- Zero Emission: The service will be 100 percent electric and completely automated.
- Safety Measures: All capsules will be equipped with CCTV cameras and monitored from a central control room.
- Payment Methods: Travelers can use smart cards or tokens to pay for their journey.
- Fare Details: The ticket prices will be kept affordable and equivalent to standard Metro fares.
Current Status and Public Impact
Bihar Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit recently held a high-level meeting with the engineering firm L&T and Ultra PRT. The technical framework and detailed implementation model have already been presented to the state government. Experts suggest this service will eliminate morning and evening traffic jams around the busy Old Secretariat area. It will provide massive relief to government employees and local citizens who currently face congestion while moving between various administrative departments.
