The residents want the metro to start operations in the city as soon as possible.

The urban development and housing department had solicited opinion of the residents about the ambitious mass transport project. On September 21, the government had launched a website for Patna metro — www.patnametro.in.

According to a feasibility report prepared by Rail India Technical and Economic Service Ltd, the metro would cover 60km in and around Patna and would be completed in three phases. Residents could view the detailed project report online and voice their opinion by November 11.

Sources in the department said opinion has poured in with many residents voting in favour of the metro service starting as soon as possible.

On Wednesday, S. Siddharth, secretary, urban development and housing, said he was not sure of how many people had responded to the invitation.

He said: “We are still counting the emails and the letter. But, from what have gathered, the response of the people is positive. They want to see the metro running as soon as possible. We shall try to incorporate all feasible advice from the people.”

Residents corroborated Siddharth’s claim. Saurav Verma, a native of Patna now working in Bangalore, said on the Facebook page of Patna metro: “It seems nice (to get to) every nook and corner of Patna… through the ambitious metro project. But I feel that it (the project) does not help people living in Patna City and they are in greater need of it.”

A source said the feasibility report would be finalised next year. “Inviting suggestions from people is a novel move. Such practices are followed in European countries.”