Introduction
Increasing pressure on tier 1 cities of India reminds us to strive for the continuous development of the urban centres that already exist in our states, such as Lucknow, Patna, Jaipur, etc. Amid a trend of High influx into the cities, it is much more important than ever to make the public transportation system Available, Accessible, and overall Punctual. While these systems ram across the streets and lanes of Bigger cities, more is needed for these to ram the lanes and localities of the Tier-2 cities, too.
Patna Metro is a testament to the rising aspirations and opportunities for an aspiring, growing nation with boundless faith in its trajectory and staggering confidence over its efforts and prospects. Patna Metro boasts two corridors with an impressive length of 30.91 km, inhabiting the capital city of Bihar, Patna. Patna is the largest city in Bihar, with a population of over 2.5 million and a total area of 250 square kilometres.
The city boasts of the Sone, Gandak and Punpun rivers and the pilgrimage centres of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism, making it an attractive destination for many people, businesses, and tourists worldwide. The city is a central Urban Centre that hosts a massive influx of tourists and bread-earners from worldwide and inner areas of Bihar, respectively. Such features make it necessary for the authority to make an accessible, robust, and overall punctual public transportation system available for the public and tourists.
Patna Metro- Approval & DPR
It is a 31.66 km long Mass Rapid Transit system inhabiting the city of Patna. Its story begins with the announcement of Metro Policy by the then Minister of Housing & Urban Affairs in November 2011. The Bihar government awarded the assignment of feasibility study preparation of the Detailed Project Report to Rail India Technical and Economic Service (RITES) for the Patna Metro railway project in 2013 at an estimated cost of ₹13,411.24 crore for Phase 1.
Further, the Bihar government decided to equip the city either with a metro or a monorail system. The Bihar Cabinet had allotted the Patna Metro work to DMRC after approval from the central government in February 2019 on a nomination basis, which will complete the work on the “Deposit Work Method” at a project cost of Rs 482.87 crore. Afterwards, in August 2019, the Bihar government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to construct the first phase of the Patna Metro Rail Project.
Further, the DMRC ushered some significant changes in the DPR of the project alignment, engendering another interchange at Khemni Chowk, the elimination of Line-1’s depot at Aitwarpur and the addition of two new stations at Ramkrishna Nagar and Jaganpura.
Specifications:
Top Speed: 80 kmph
Average Speed: 34 kmph
Track Gauge: Standard Gauge – 1435 mm
Electrification: 25 kV, 50 Hz AC OHE
Signalling: Communications-based train control (CBTC)
Funding Pattern
The project is expected to be built and operated on a Public Private Partnership model. The cost of Phase 1 is estimated to be ₹13,411.24 crore. Patna Government has also secured an ODA loan of INR 5,521 Crores from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which accounts for nearly 60% of the project’s cost.
“Considering the growing population and industries in the city, I am sure this project will improve the life and business in Patna, and I hope this will be considered the best example of a metro project in Tier-2 cities”– Mr SAITO Mitsunori, Chief Representative of JICA India.
It is JICA’s first metro project in any Tier-2 city of India and the 7th metro project in India after Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad.
Let’s delve into the proposed metro corridors of the Patna Metro.
Proposed Corridors
- Line-1 (East-West Line): Danapur Cantonment – Khemni Chak
Length: 16.86 km
Type: Elevated & Underground
Elevated: 9.36 km with eight stations
Underground: 7.5 km with six stations
Number of Stations: 14
Station Names: Danapur Cantonment, Saguna More, RPS More, Patliputra (formerly IAS Colony), Rukanpura, Raja Bazar, Patna Zoo (formerly JD Women’s College), Vikas Bhawan (formerly Raj Bhavan), Vidyut Bhawan, Patna Junction (interchange), Mithapur, Ramkrishna Nagar & Jaganpur and Khemni Chak (interchange)
Latest Update:
YFC Projects – Montecarlo JV launched their first 27.90-meter-long U-girder for the viaduct of Patna Metro’s 16.86 km Line-1 connecting Danapur Cantonment – Khemni Chak on 15th September 2023. This milestone was recorded in roughly 21 months from the award of the contract, which is way beyond the average time taken by contractors elsewhere.
- Line-2 (North-South Line): Patna Junction Railway Station – New ISBT
Length: 14.05 km
Type: Elevated & Underground
Elevated: 6 km with five stations
Underground: 8 km with seven stations
Number of Stations: 12
Station Names: Patna Junction (interchange), Akashvani (formerly Dak Bungalow), Gandhi Maidan, PMCH, Patna University, Moin Ul Haq Stadium, Rajendra Nagar, Malahi Pakri, Khemni Chak (interchange), Bhoothnath, Zero Mile and New ISBT
Latest Update:
Steel Authority of India (SAIL) has been awarded a Rs. 11.34 crore contract for manufacturing and supplying 1200 MT of Class A grade rails for Patna Metro’s New ISBT Depot on the Patna Junction Railway Station – New ISBT line.
Multi-modal Connectivity
The authorities concerned with the planning and operationalising the Patna metro have envisioned turning it into an integrated transportation hub where all the means of public transport will be readily available.
As per the latest reports, the existing population of 26.23 lakh of the Patna agglomeration area is expected to benefit from the Patna Metro Rail Project directly and indirectly. The approved corridors will have Multimodal Integration with Railway Stations, ISBT stations, and feeder networks of Buses, Intermediate Public Transport (IPT) and Non-Motorised Transport (NMT).
Such an arrangement would ensure a robust, punctual, well-connected model of a metro system available in a tier 2 city like Patna. Additionally, the robustness of the integrated model will contribute to making Patna a better urban centre with robust transportation arrangements to serve the upcoming traffic and facilitate the impetus required to enhance the urban centre.
A City in Transition
Patna is witnessing stark changes in its course. It includes increased registration of two-wheelers and cars and rapid urbanisation in the city. It has pushed for increased traffic on the roads, necessitating an alternative Public Transportation Model to be envisioned. Additionally, the increase in influx has left the existing public transportation system redundant owing to overload, leading to inefficiency.
Additionally, the provision of the metro would also help Patna not to get polluted by the increase in vehicle traffic, contributing to the carbon content in the environment. Instead, this would make way for a better, cleaner, desirable environment for the residents of Patna. It would also add to the experience and convenience of the daily commuters as an accessible, punctual and best-in-class mobility solution will be available to them.
Eventually, the metro would solve the problems of traffic congestion on the roads as well as the concerns related to environmental pollution.
Significant Innovations in the Project
The Patna metro Project entails an innovative 1.5 km pedestrian tunnel connecting Patna Museum and Bihar Museum. It’s a subway connecting both museums, between Bailey Road and Chajju Bagh, by an 8-meter diameter tunnel boring machine (TBM) at a depth of 16.5 meters. The pedestrian tunnel will be located above the twin tunnel, on Bailey Roa, of Patna Metro’s Line 1, running between Danapur Cantonment and Khemni Chak, with a vertical clearance of 6.5 meters.
The air-conditioned tunnel will be an art gallery equipped with battery-operated golf carts. The entry/exit structures on either side include a security checkpoint, goods lift (service elevator) and restrooms.
Green Impact
The project aims to reduce emissions and adverse environmental impact by creating a public transport-oriented city. It will also contribute towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions in GDP intensity by 2030 to 33-35% compared to 2005, which the Government of India is working on under the “National Determined Contribution (NDC)” goals based on the Paris Agreement.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Patna Metro project is a beacon of progress and innovation in urban development, particularly in Tier-2 cities like Patna. With its ambitious corridors, including the East-West Line (Line-1) from Danapur Cantonment to Khemni Chak and the North-South Line (Line-2) from Patna Junction Railway Station to New ISBT, the metro system is set to transform the urban transportation landscape. The envisioned multi-modal connectivity reflects a holistic approach to public transportation.
This project addresses the pressing issues of traffic congestion and pollution. It contributes to the city’s cultural landscape with innovative features, such as the pedestrian tunnel connecting museums, showcasing a blend of functionality and cultural enrichment, setting a precedent for future metro projects. Furthermore, the Green Impact initiative aligns with national and international environmental goals, contributing to reducing emissions and reinforcing the commitment to sustainable development. The Patna Metro, with its top speed of 80 kmph, average speed of 34 kmph, and modern signalling systems, epitomises the aspirations of a city embracing progress without compromising on environmental stewardship.
As Patna undergoes a transformative phase, the metro system emerges as a catalyst for positive change, offering its residents and visitors a reliable, punctual, and eco-friendly mode of transportation. It is a testament to the city’s adaptability, resilience, and commitment to a sustainable future. Once operational, the Patna Metro is expected to meet the growing transportation needs and elevate the overall quality of life in this vibrant and historic city.
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