The second phase of excavation for the underground tunnel of Patna Metro has commenced. Following the completion of work at Moinulhaq Stadium, a new tunnel is now being dug for the Bhumigam Metro route, connecting Gandhi Maidan and Akashvani. Additionally, the state government has granted permission to withdraw a fresh allocation of Rs 100 crore for the construction of Patna Metro. To date, the state government has provided a total of Rs 1012 crore for this project.
Tunnel boring machine has started work:
The excavation process for the Metro tunnel near Gandhi Maidan has commenced with the initiation of one of the Tunnel Boring Machines (TBM). Another TBM will be utilized for excavation work once it is fully assembled.
These two TBMs will construct a tunnel spanning approximately 966 meters, connecting Gandhi Maidan to Akashvani station. The estimated duration for this construction is around six months.
L&T has been entrusted with the responsibility of constructing the heritage tunnel. They have been chosen by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, the organization overseeing the construction of Patna Metro, to construct the tunnel connecting Bihar Museum with Patna Museum.
Once the work order is received, L&T will commence the construction work. The tunnel, which will pass under Bailey Road and measure approximately one and a half kilometers, is projected to cost approximately Rs 542 crore.
The completion of this project is expected within a timeframe of 30 months. The Urban Development and Housing Department granted administrative approval for the connection of the two museums in May 2022. Construction work is anticipated to commence shortly after the agency selection process concludes.