PATNA: Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary informed the state assembly on Thursday that the metro rail under construction would become operational from August 15, 2025.
In the build-up to the assembly elections due next year, the new metro rail would be a shot in the arm for CM Nitish Kumar development agenda.
“Our target is to see that the metro rail in Patna becomes functional from August 15 next year,” Chaudhary told the members of the House. It is expected that CM Nitish Kumar would inaugurate its run on the same date.
Choudhary was speaking after the tabling of the appropriation Bill regarding the use of the second supplementary budget worth Rs 32,506.90 crore for the 2024-25 financial year ending March 31, 2025.
“The second supplementary budget would be utilized for implementing the centrally sponsored schemes and also for the govt’s own state plan head,” he said.
The House passed the supplementary budget and the accompanying appropriation Bill by voice vote in the absence of the opposition members. They had walked out of the House, as the govt did not give its reply on their demand for stopping the installation of the smart prepaid meters.
Choudhary, who is also the state’s finance minister, said the money under the supplementary budget would be utilised on the repair of roads, construction of new medical colleges, and also on the creation of infrastructure in the tourism sector, among other developmental activities. “The govt has also decided to develop a new tourist hub in Kaimur district,” he said.
Earlier, with respect to the second supplementary budget, the House debate was held on the Rs 3,028.91 crore budget allotted for the social welfare department. CPI(ML) member Ajay Kumar initiated the House debate.
Giving the govt’s reply to the House debate, minister Madan Sahani narrated the outcome of various schemes by pointing to the number of beneficiaries. He said the schemes had also benefited the extremely backward castes.
