Patna: Patna Metro Rail Corporation Limited (PMRC) on Thursday successfully completed the trial run on the remaining portion of the ‘priority corridor’, marking a major milestone in the city’s urban rail development.Conducted under the supervision of engineers from Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Limited (DMRC), the test covered the newly constructed 2.9km elevated stretch between Khemnichak and Malahi Pakri stations. This section has now been seamlessly integrated with the already operational stretch from Bhootnath to Patliputra Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT).The trial was carried out on the elevated portion of Corridor II between Bhootnath and Malahi Pakri stations, a crucial segment of the Blue Line of the Patna Metro. During the exercise, metro trains were run repeatedly to assess speed, braking systems, signalling, overhead equipment and overall operational preparedness. Engineers and officials carried out detailed safety inspections and technical evaluations to ensure compliance with operational standards.According to PMRC officials, the successful completion of the trial brings the metro closer to commencing commercial services on the extended stretch. The expansion is expected to ease daily travel, reduce traffic congestion and enhance connectivity for thousands of commuters. Critical systems, including train performance, electrification and integration, were thoroughly tested.Preparatory steps included a successful electrical inspection on Feb 14, 2026, followed by a fire safety check at Malahi Pakri station on Feb 18, 2026.All civil, structural, electrical and ancillary works at the new stations have been completed, confirming operational readiness. To facilitate the trial, regular passenger services on the existing operational stretch between Patliputra ISBT and Bhootnath were temporarily suspended on Thursday, allowing engineers to conduct uninterrupted assessments. Services resumed normally at Bhootnath, Zero Mile and ISBT stations from Feb 27 onwards.Engineers said the remaining two stations of the priority corridor — Khemnichak and Malahi Pakri — would become operational after Holi. With this, the 6.6km elevated priority section of the Blue Line, comprising five stations, will be fully functional.At present, the operational segment spans approximately 3.6km from ISBT through Zero Mile to Bhootnath. This stretch has been serving commuters since Oct 2025 and has helped reduce congestion along key routes such as Bypass Road and Kankarbagh.Khemnichak will function as a key interchange station between Corridor I (East-West, Red Line) and Corridor II (North-South). Designed with a multi-level layout, it will facilitate smooth passenger transfers between the two corridors.The complete Corridor II extends 14.5 km with 12 stations — five elevated and seven underground — eventually linking Patliputra ISBT to Rajendra Nagar. The route will pass through major areas including Patna Junction, Gandhi Maidan, PMCH, Patna University and Moin-ul-Haq Stadium. The underground segment remains under construction and full completion is targeted for late 2026.
