Gaya, Bihar — In a significant stride towards urban modernization and pilgrimage connectivity, the Bihar government, in collaboration with RITES (Rail India Technical and Economic Services), has unveiled a comprehensive plan for the Gaya Metro Rail Project. The development aims to revolutionize public transport in the ancient city of Gaya, offering fast, eco-friendly connectivity to major religious, educational, and civic hubs.
The project will feature two elevated corridors covering a total length of 36.08 kilometers with 28 proposed stations, making it the longest metro rail plan in Bihar to date.
Two Corridors, One Vision
The metro project is divided into two major corridors:
- North–South Corridor (22.60 km): This line will begin near Sun City (Chakand) on the Gaya–Patna road and terminate at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Bodh Gaya. With 18 stations en route, this corridor will connect key points such as Gaya Airport, Gaya Junction, and Bodh Gaya, making travel faster and easier for pilgrims and residents alike.
- East–West Corridor (13.48 km): Starting from Paharpur and ending at Lakhanpur, this route will pass via the Vishnupad Temple and will feature 10 stations. This corridor is designed to ease local commuting while significantly improving pilgrim access to one of Hinduism’s most sacred shrines.
Both corridors will be fully elevated, ensuring minimal land acquisition and reducing traffic disruption during construction.
Survey Completed, DPR Underway
RITES, the project’s consulting agency, has completed the route alignment survey, taking into account projected population growth and urban expansion up to the year 2056. A Detailed Project Report (DPR) is currently under preparation and will include technical, financial, and environmental details.
Construction is expected to commence in late 2025, following approval from the state and central governments. The metro is anticipated to become operational by 2028, subject to clearances and funding arrangements.
Pilgrimage and Progress Go Hand in Hand
Gaya and Bodh Gaya hold immense religious significance. Bodh Gaya, in particular, attracts millions of visitors annually as the site of the Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The metro project is envisioned not just as an infrastructure upgrade but as a spiritual lifeline—ensuring smoother, safer, and faster movement for pilgrims from across the globe.
The corridors will also boost access to key institutions like IIM Bodh Gaya and the Gaya International Airport, strengthening the city’s reputation as a hub for education and international tourism.
Sustainable and Smart Urban Development
Beyond its religious and practical benefits, the Gaya Metro is expected to:
- Ease congestion on city roads by offering a reliable public transport alternative
- Reduce air pollution and vehicular emissions, contributing to environmental goals
- Boost local economy and real estate development along the corridors
- Create jobs in both construction and operations phases
Officials have emphasized that the project is being designed with a long-term urban sustainability perspective, ensuring that infrastructure keeps pace with Gaya’s future growth.
What Lies Ahead
Once the DPR is finalized and approved, the state government is expected to float tenders for construction and identify funding sources, possibly with support from national and international infrastructure development agencies.
The Gaya Metro Rail Project is one of four metro proposals announced across Bihar, signaling a larger vision for integrated urban transport across the state.
A New Chapter for Gaya
With this transformative project, Gaya is poised to enter a new era—one where heritage meets high-speed mobility. As construction gears up and plans turn into action, the Gaya Metro Rail will not only redefine the city’s skyline but also its standing as a globally connected spiritual and educational center.
