Preliminary groundwork kicked off near Patna Junction on Thursday. This marks the beginning of construction for a vital underground interchangeable metro station. The station will serve as a key link between the north-south and east-west corridors of the Patna metro rail project. It promises seamless connectivity for commuters across the entire city.
Utility Testing and Initial Preparations Underway
Officials from the Patna Metro Rail Corporation Limited confirmed the start of utility testing and pit work. This initial phase aims to identify and protect existing underground services. Protecting these utilities ensures safe and well-planned construction activities. "Shifting of underground utilities like water pipelines, sewage, cables and electric wires is underway," officials stated. "Actual digging will begin only after this crucial step is complete."
Tunnel Boring Machine Launch and Construction Timeline
The tunnel boring machine for the underground network is scheduled for launch soon. Officials expect to launch it from Rukanpura on Bailey Road in May or June this year. This location falls under Corridor I, which runs from Danapur to Khemnichak.
"Due to congestion and space constraints at Station Road, the TBM is likely to be launched from the Rukkanpura side," the officials explained. "It will connect with the Patna Junction metro station. An opening shaft will be created at Bailey Road for this purpose."
The TBM is expected to arrive in Patna by May or June. The target is to complete this station, along with the underground segment of Corridor II, by the end of 2026. Corridor II stretches from Patna Junction to the New ISBT.
Station Design and Entry Points
The entry and exit points for the Patna Junction metro station will be strategically located. They will be near Doodh Market and Buddha Smriti Park. According to the Detailed Project Report, this interchangeable station will be larger than other metro stations.
Key design features include:
- Four entry and exit points for better passenger flow.
- Eight lifts and escalators to facilitate movement.
- A concourse built approximately 8 meters below ground level.
- Two platforms, with Corridor II's platform constructed above Corridor I's platform.
Temporary Changes and Current Project Status
The commencement of preliminary work has led to some temporary changes around the station area. Authorities have closed the main entrance. They have created alternate pedestrian and vehicular routes to ensure smooth movement during the construction period.
On the operational front, the elevated section of Corridor II is already running. It currently operates three stations: Zero Mile, Bhoothnath, and Patliputra ISBT. Two more stations, Khemnichak and Malahi Pakri, are expected to launch by next month. This expansion will bring the total length of the priority corridor, known as the Blue Line, to 6.5 kilometers.
Work continues at other underground stations on Corridor II. These include:
- Rajendra Nagar
- Akashvani
- Gandhi Maidan
- PMCH
- Patna University
- Moin-ul-Haq Stadium
The tunnel boring machine has made significant progress already. It has completed excavation of 6.7 kilometers out of the proposed 7.9-kilometer underground stretch. This steady progress keeps the project on track for its completion goals.
