Bihar government officials in a meeting with L and T officials in Patna
By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: A plan has been proposed to introduce an ‘Ultra Pods’ transit system in Patna to ensure fast and smart connectivity between key administrative buildings. The blueprint for the ₹296-crore project was presented during a meeting between Bihar Chief Secretary Pratyay Amrit and a team from Larsen & Toubro (L&T). The proposed system will operate 59 pods on a nearly 5-km track, with a new pod available to passengers every seven seconds. Once administrative approval is granted, the project is expected to be completed within about 15 months.
The Bihar government is preparing to launch a modern and smart transport system in the state capital to link the Old Secretariat complex with several nearby administrative buildings. The detailed proposal for the ambitious ‘Ultra Pods’ project was discussed during the meeting, where L&T presented its plan for an inter-governmental, smart and sustainable mobility solution connecting key government offices in the area.
The total cost of the project has been estimated at around ₹296 crore. Under the plan, a 5-km track will be constructed starting from Visvesvaraya Bhawan, passing through Vikas Bhawan and the Legislative Assembly, and ending at the Old Secretariat. The system is expected to provide officers and employees with quick and safe transport between buildings.
A key feature of the project is that passengers will have access to a pod every seven seconds. Each pod will accommodate up to six people, and a total of 59 pods will operate along the route, ensuring smooth and rapid travel.
In the first phase, nine stations will be constructed, two of which will include parking facilities. A control room and an Ultra Pod parking facility will also be developed to monitor and manage the entire system.
The pods will be fully automated, with no human intervention required. Each pod will be equipped with cameras to enhance security. The system will operate as a Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) network, allowing passengers to travel directly between designated buildings without unscheduled stops. This will reduce external disruptions and strengthen security arrangements.
The project is designed to be environmentally friendly and based on a carbon-positive network. Notably, no trees will be cut during the construction of the pod tracks. The government also expects that reduced movement of official vehicles will help decrease pollution levels and traffic congestion in the area.
Officials believe the system will significantly ease traffic, particularly during peak office hours in the morning and evening. It is also expected to benefit the general public by reducing congestion in surrounding areas. Fares for the Ultra Pods will be kept minimal to encourage wider use, with passengers able to access the service through tokens or rechargeable cards.
The Bihar government’s initiative is seen as aligning with the Government of India’s vision of smart, sustainable and integrated mobility. Apart from improving connectivity between administrative buildings, the project is expected to enhance both security and operational efficiency.
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