Two projects under the Smart City Mission — the pedestrian subway and the multi-modal transit hub — are set to enhance the infrastructure landscape around the railway station area in Patna.
Both facilities, aimed at ensuring smooth passenger transfers and integrating various modes of transport, are expected to be operational by October this year.
Despite the monsoon affecting the redevelopment work around the railway station, officials from Patna Smart City Limited (PSCL) said the civil work on both the subway and transit hub was in its final stages.
“Approximately 70% of the subway construction is complete, while over 80% of the work on the multi-modal transit hub, located at Bakri Bazaar near Patna GPO, is finished,” a PSCL official said.
The remaining 20% of the subway work involves mechanised installations, such as travelators, escalators and elevators.
Efforts are on to mobilize the necessary machinery to connect three key points — Patna Junction, the multi-level car parking (MLCP), and the transit hub — via a 250-metre-long underground tunnel.
The 440-metre-long subway, including a 180-metre grade level, will ease traffic movement on Station Road and nearby areas, reduce haphazard parking, and provide hassle-free travel for passengers between Patna Junction, the MLCP and the transit hub.
The subway will feature six escalators, three lifts, three staircases, four travelators, and a walkway. It will be fully air-conditioned, with separate entry and exit points at all three locations, and equipped with facilities such as CCTV cameras, fire alarm systems, lighting and space for 14 shops and outlets.
A PSCL official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said in the first phase, the G+2 building of the transit hub will be ready by October.
“The ground floor will be designated for bus parking, while autorickshaws, e-rickshaws, cabs, and private cars will have parking spaces on the first and second floors. The transit hub, covering 27,356 square metres, will accommodate 32 buses during peak times,” he added.
A total of 24 parking bays are being created, with six reserved for electric buses and equipped with charging points.
The building will feature state-of-the-art facilities, including electronic ticketing systems, automatic display boards for real-time bus tracking (routes, bus numbers, and timings), CCTV cameras, washrooms, drinking water facilities, a cafeteria, an ATM kiosk, escalators and covered parking ramp.
According to officials, the revised detailed project report for the transit hub includes plans to add two more floors to enhance public amenities. These additional floors will feature a waiting lounge, retail spaces, vending zones and a food court.
The estimated cost of the subway project is Rs 84 crore, while the multi-modal transit hub is projected to cost Rs 80 crore, with Rs 68 crore allocated for the first phase.
