Trial run on Feb 25 to pave way for metro rail expansion

Patna: The Patna Metro is set to expand its operational reach with the imminent launch of the remaining two stations — Malahi Pakri and Khemnichak — on its priority corridor. According to officials of the Patna Metro Rail Corporation Limited (PMRC), the stations will become operational next month, following a successful trial run scheduled for Feb 25 to be conducted by the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS).

The trial run will cover the 2.9km stretch connecting these stations to the existing elevated section of Corridor II (North-South corridor). Upon successful completion and clearance, the metro train will receive approval for regular passenger services on this extended section. PMRC officials confirmed that all civil, electrical, engineering and ancillary works at both stations have been completed, making them fully ready for launch.


A key milestone was the final fire safety inspection at Malahi Pakri Metro Station, which was successfully conducted on Feb 18. The inspection by the electrical inspector to govt, led by Anand Kumar, was completed on Feb 14, marking major progress towards operational readiness.

The priority corridor, also known as the ‘Blue Line’, spans a total elevated length of 6.6km between Malahi Pakri and Patliputra Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT). At present, three stations – ISBT, Zero Mile and Bhootnath – are operational on an approximately 3.6km stretch, which has been serving commuters since its inauguration in Oct last year.

“The addition of Malahi Pakri and Khemnichak will complete the full 6.6km elevated priority corridor, enhancing connectivity in eastern Patna and reducing travel times along key routes like the Bypass Road, Kankerbagh, among other nearby areas,” the sources said, adding that all electronic equipment related to the station, tracks and signals was examined and found to be in compliance with standards.

Officials added that the trial run is scheduled for next week, during which engineers will examine the signalling and electrification systems, as well as track safety and other infrastructure. “Once all technical and safety standards are met, public operations at these two stations will commence in the first week of March, after the Holi celebrations (which fall on March 4),” they said.

Passenger vehicle parking will be available at Malahi Pakri station. Encroachments have been removed from the land behind the station, where parking facilities will be developed, officials said.

Corridor II spans approximately 14.5km in total with 12 stations, including five elevated and seven underground. It will connect ISBT to Patna Junction, with a 7.3km underground stretch. The underground section of Corridor II is targeted for completion by late 2026 with stations at Patna Junction, Akashvani, Gandhi Maidan, PMCH, Patna University, Moin-ul-Haq Stadium and Rajendra Nagar.