The urban development department is confused about which mode of mass rapid transit system (MRTS) would translate into reality in Patna.

Urban development minister Prem Kumar said on Sunday that construction of the metro rail service in Patna would begin by December 2014 and the service would start by 2017.

Sources, however, said the situation is confusing when the state once talks about choosing among the metro, monorail and sky bus and then claims the metro would run in Patna in four years’ time. This when even the best metros in the world (see graphics) have taken more time to become a reality in spite of meticulous planning.

“Rail India Technical and Economic Services (RITES), a consultant, has been asked to come up with a survey regarding the MRTS in Patna. They will conduct many tests and checks to see the mode of transport that suits the state capital. The report is expected in four months,” Prem Kumar told The Telegraph. He then added that once the report comes in, a detailed project report (DPR) would be made in six months.

“Once the DPR comes, a global tender would be floated to award the work. Approvals from the state cabinet would be required too. The construction of the Patna metro service is expected to start by December 2014 and the trains would ply by 2017 along 40-km elevated tracks. Initial calculations have pegged the cost of construction of each kilometre at Rs 200 crore. We are positive that by 2017, Patna would have the metro,” he added.

Across the world, construction of metro railway systems needs a lot of planning and proper execution.

A source said: “The problem with the state government is that it is not clear in its mind which MRTS to adopt even after such a long time. All it’s planning is verbal. It has got no clue which mode of transport is good for a city like Patna, which is congested and lacks proper planning. Moreover, the on-ground construction of a metro network generally takes more than three years’ time, as a lot of expertise and foolproof planning are needed. There is no planning here till now. The government has been talking about the survey for long. With nothing being done, setting a deadline seems too far-fetched,” a source in the department said.

Experts said such talks were aimed at gaining mileage from the concept of mass rapid transit system in the city. “Constructing a metro system is Patna is difficult but not impossible. Two routes can be chosen, one along the Ganga and the other south of the New Bypass and the whole route can be circular and interconnected. This would not hamper the day-to-day traffic movement. Actions towards realising the project should start,” Wing Commander (retired) Narendra Kumar, an expert on traffic issues and the director of Alankar Auto Sales and Services Pvt. Ltd, said.