Ranchi, September 22: Jharkhand is gearing up to introduce metro rail services in major cities like Ranchi, Jamshedpur, and Dhanbad. The state government has reportedly initiated the project by submitting a preliminary proposal to the Central government in this regard.
However, the central government has asked for a new Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP) before approving the project. In response, Jharkhand’s Urban Development and Housing Department has floated a Request for Proposal (RFP) to draft the revised plan. As per reports, the new CMP will be ready within the next one-and-a-half to two months.
Earlier, Chief Minister Hemant Soren had raised the demand for metro rail during the Eastern Zonal Council meeting on July 10, where he requested Union Home Minister Amit Shah to support metro projects in major cities of the state. The earlier CMP was found outdated and not in line with current requirements, which led to the demand for a fresh plan.
Authorities highlight that Ranchi, Jamshedpur, and Dhanbad are witnessing rapid population growth and rising numbers of vehicles, causing severe traffic congestion and pollution. Metro rail services are being seen as a long-term solution—promising faster, safer, and more comfortable transport while also easing pollution and road traffic. Once the Centre approves the new CMP, the project’s formal process will begin.
Meanwhile, neighboring Bihar is ahead on this front. In Patna, metro work is almost complete. Safety trials and technical inspections have already been carried out for the first phase, which covers ISBT, Zero Mile, and Bhootnath stations. During the trials, trains ran at 40 kmph to check brakes, signaling, speed control, passenger facilities, and platform safety.
According to sources, Patna Metro’s inauguration is expected on September 29, following the final safety audit.
