Pune: Reserved Metro Train Leased To Patna Ahead Of Bihar Polls; Youth Congress Cries Foul
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Pune, July 24, 2025: A reserved train set from Pune Metro has been leased to the Patna Metro project, raising political tensions in Maharashtra. The three-coach train has already arrived at Bihar’s Geetagad depot, where it is being prepared for a symbolic launch on August 15—Independence Day—coinciding with the run-up to Bihar’s upcoming assembly elections.
The decision has triggered backlash from the Maharashtra Pradesh Youth Congress. Its General Secretary, Prathamesh Abnave, called the move a “politically timed diversion of resources,” accusing the ruling parties of attempting to gain electoral advantage by showcasing Patna Metro’s debut with Pune’s rolling stock.
According to officials, Pune Metro requires 34 train sets for full operations but has received only 33 so far. One of these was reserved to handle technical breakdowns or future service expansions. This critical standby unit is now on lease for three years to Patna Metro, which reportedly lacked a trial-ready train set for its initial runs.
Currently, Patna is conducting trial runs using the Pune train and is expected to use the same for its public launch on August 15. However, Pune is grappling with rising metro ridership—averaging 1.8 lakh daily passengers—and is expanding through new corridors including Shivajinagar–Hinjawadi and Pimpri–Swargate. City commuters often face delays and overcrowding during peak hours, making the need for backup infrastructure crucial.
Abnave said, “While Pune commuters face long wait times, the only reserved train has been quietly diverted. This was done without public consultation or transparency. If the train is not returned soon, we will protest outside Maha Metro’s Pune office.”
The move has intensified the political discourse around the intersection of urban infrastructure and electoral strategy, with the Youth Congress demanding immediate reversal of the lease.
