The Patna Metro project is back on track after receiving the much-needed No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Indian Railways. The tunnel excavation work between Moin-ul-Haq Stadium and Rajendra Nagar Terminal will resume on March 12, 2026. The construction was stalled since December 2025 due to pending permissions for digging under the busy railway tracks. This development brings a major relief to the commuters waiting for improved connectivity across the city.
What is the Route and Depth of the New Metro Tunnel?
The tunnel work involves connecting the Moin-ul-Haq Stadium to the Rajendra Nagar Terminal. This specific section requires digging directly beneath the active Patna-Howrah main railway line. To ensure the safety of the railway tracks above, the engineering assessment required a deeper path.
Because of this, the Rajendra Nagar Metro Station is set to be the deepest station on the entire network. It will be constructed at a depth of approximately 21 meters, or 69 feet underground. Two Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) are already positioned to complete this 1.8 km stretch, which includes 800 meters of railway land.
When Will the Patna Metro Project Be Completed?
With the work resuming, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and Patna Metro Rail Corporation (PMRC) have set clear targets for the upcoming phases.
- Tunnel Target: The 6 km tunnel construction from Moin-ul-Haq Stadium to Patna Junction is aimed for completion by April 2026.
- Network Completion: The entire underground network covering 7.9 km is expected to be ready by the end of 2026.
- Project Budget: The total cost is approximately 13,365 crore rupees, with recent funds added by the state cabinet.
Once fully functional, this route will connect key areas like Kankarbagh to Patna Junction and the New ISBT. A small priority section is already operational, and fares for expanded routes are estimated around 30 rupees, making daily travel much easier for residents.