Patna: In a major step towards expanding the Patna metro rail network, the chief commissioner of metro railway safety, Nilebhra Sengupta, along with his team, conducted a detailed inspection on Monday of the elevated stretch from Bhoothnath to Malahi Pakri on the Blue Line, part of Corridor II.The inspection was carried out using a trolley inspection car, during which critical infrastructure elements, including the viaduct structure, track fitness and the reliability of the overhead electrical system (OHE), were thoroughly examined. At Malahi Pakri Metro Station, special attention was given to passenger safety facilities such as fire suppression systems, elevators, escalators, emergency exits and overall evacuation preparedness.Following the inspection of structures and station facilities, metro trains were tested in both directions along the stretch. The rolling stock trials assessed real-time performance, including speed, braking, signaling and system integration under operational conditions.Sengupta expressed satisfaction with the quality of work and appreciated the strong commitment to safety and engineering excellence demonstrated by the Patna Metro Rail Corporation Ltd team.This successful inspection marks a major milestone for the project. With the commissioner’s approval, the approximately 2.75-km stretch up to Malahi Pakri, including the intermediate Khemnichak station, will soon be opened for public use. This will complete the full priority elevated corridor of about 6.5 km, connecting Malahi Pakri in the east to Patliputra Inter-state Bus Terminal (ISBT) in the west via Bhoothnath and Zero Mile stations.Once operational, the extension will significantly enhance urban mobility in Patna by providing faster, safer and more convenient transport, especially in densely populated areas such as Kankarbagh.Metro services remained suspended on Monday to facilitate the inspection, with normal operations expected to resume from Tuesday, April 28. Officials have advised passengers to plan accordingly and stay updated through official channels regarding the opening date of the new stretch.
