Today, Chief Secretary of Bihar, Mr. Pratyay Amrit, held an important meeting with the Larsen & Toubro (L&T) team. A detailed presentation by L&T outlined the operationalization of UltraPODs (Ultra PRT) in Patna. This project is an intra-government smart and sustainable mobility solution to connect the Old Secretariat Complex with surrounding administrative buildings. Following administrative approval, it will be fully operational within 15 months.

Project Key Features and Operations:

Modern and Safe Transit: This is a fast, modern, automated, and efficient transit system that will ensure seamless connectivity for government officials. This Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) system will serve as a means of non-stop travel between designated buildings. Direct access to destinations without any unscheduled stops will reduce the risk of external disruptions, thereby strengthening security.

Route and Cost: The total cost of this ambitious project is ₹296 crore. The total length of the Ultra Pods track will be approximately 5 kilometers. It will operate from Visvesvaraya Bhavan, passing through Vikas Bhavan and the Legislative Assembly, to the Old Secretariat.

Capacity and Interval: For passenger convenience, another pod will be available at its designated station every 7 seconds. Each pod will have a seating capacity of 6 people. A total of 59 pods will operate on this track.

Stations and Infrastructure: In the initial phase, a total of 9 stations will be built, with parking facilities available at 2 of these stations. Additionally, a control room and an Ultra Pod parking facility will also be constructed.

Fully Automated and Secure: All Ultra Pods will be equipped with security cameras. There will be no human intervention and they will be fully automated.

This is a completely environmentally friendly and carbon-positive network. The most important feature is that no trees will be cut during the construction of the Ultra Pods track. Reducing motorized vehicle traffic (especially those related to government work) will significantly reduce emissions and traffic congestion in the region. This system is being implemented specifically to ease the morning and evening office rush hours, providing significant relief to the public from traffic jams. The fares will be kept very affordable to make it convenient and accessible to all. Passengers will be able to easily use the Ultra Pods by recharging a token or card.

This initiative by the Bihar government is in line with the Government of India's comprehensive vision of smart, sustainable, and integrated mobility. This will not only facilitate access between key administrative facilities, but will also strengthen security and significantly increase operational efficiency.