The ambitious underground section of Patna Metro's crucial North-South corridor is rapidly taking shape beneath the city's heart. Project authorities have set a clear deadline, aiming to wrap up all major tunnelling work for this segment by the conclusion of 2026. This development marks a significant leap forward for the capital's public transport infrastructure.
Steady Progress in Tunnelling Work
Engineers working on Corridor II, also known as the Blue Line, report substantial advancement. The 7.9-kilometre underground stretch extends from a ramp near Rajendra Nagar to the pivotal Patna Junction station. This station will serve as an interchange between Corridor I and Corridor II. Currently, only about 2 kilometres of tunnelling remains out of the total underground package.
To maintain momentum, the executing agency, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), has deployed a fleet of four Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs). These massive machines are carving out the parallel tunnels needed for the twin tracks. Significant milestones have already been achieved, including the boring of a 5-km tunnel section from the Moin-ul-Haq Stadium end towards PMCH.
In a recent breakthrough, one TBM launched from the stadium site successfully reached the PMCH location on December 10. From the opposite end, near Akashvani, another TBM has bored approximately 1.2 km and is nearing the Gandhi Maidan station.
Integration and Future Operations
The focus now is on completing the final two segments, each around 900 metres long. One will link PMCH to Gandhi Maidan, and the other will connect Moin-ul-Haque Stadium to Rajendra Nagar. Officials from the Patna Metro Rail Corporation are optimistic about the timeline, citing the coordinated efforts.
Once the underground section is ready, it will seamlessly connect with the already operational elevated priority segment of Corridor II. This priority stretch, featuring three stations, began partial service in October 2025. The full integration will enable uninterrupted metro travel along the entire 14-km route from Patna Junction to the Patliputra Inter-State Bus Terminal.
Simultaneous Station Development
Construction is not limited to tunnels. Work is progressing in parallel at all six underground stations to ensure they are ready for timely integration. These stations are:
- Rajendra Nagar
- Moin-ul-Haq Stadium
- Patna University (Science College)
- PMCH
- Gandhi Maidan
- Akashvani
Engineers report that roughly 40% of the civil work is complete across the project. Civil construction typically consumes about 80% of a project's timeline, with the remaining 20% dedicated to systems installation like electrical, mechanical, and finishing works. The stations are being designed with modern architecture, prioritizing passenger convenience, safety, and accessibility through distinct concourse and platform levels.
The subsequent steps after tunnelling involve installing utility wires and then laying the tracks. The project's steady progress signals a transformative phase for Patna's urban mobility, promising to decongest the city's central areas and provide a fast, reliable commuting alternative to its residents.
