By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: The construction of the underground tunnel on the Danapur-Khemnichak (via Bailey Road-Patna Junction) corridor of Phase One of the Patna Metro has been stalled for an extended period. This corridor features an elevated line from Danapur to Pataliputra station and from Mithapur to Khemnichak, which will be connected by an underground tunnel extending to Mithapur. While the elevated route work from Danapur to Pataliputra station and from Mithapur to Khemnichak is advancing quickly, the underground segment from Pataliputra station to Mithapur via Patna Junction has yet to begin due to the absence of a selected construction agency.
The plan includes the construction of six underground stations, divided into two packages. The first package encompasses Ruknpura, Rajabazar, and Patna Zoo stations, while the second package includes Vikas Bhawan, Vidyut Bhawan, and Patna Junction stations. Each of the six underground platforms along Bailey Road will measure 140 meters in length, with an estimated construction cost of Rs 3000 crore.
A total of six Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) will be necessary for the project: three for the stretch from Ruknpura to Patna Zoo and three for the segment from Vikas Bhawan to Patna station. Twin tunnels will be constructed in the underground section of Bailey Road. According to the tender documents, the project is expected to be completed in 42 months, or approximately three and a half years, from the commencement of construction. If the agency selection process concludes and work begins next month, completion is anticipated by 2028.
Meanwhile, the underground construction of Corridor 2 is proceeding at a rapid pace. The double tunnel from Moinul Haque Stadium to University Station has been completed, and a tunnel boring machine is currently operational for the segment from Gandhi Maidan to PMCH via Buddha Smriti Park. The only remaining underground excavation in this corridor is from the stadium to Malahi Pakadi.
The author is a Patna based journalist
