Patna: In a major passenger-centric infrastructure upgrade, all platforms at major railway stations across Bihar, including Patna, will be connected to foot overbridges (FOBs) through escalators. The Railways has planned to install a total of 240 escalators at 40 stations in the state by 2027, officials said.
The stations identified for the upgrade include Patna Junction, Rajendranagar Terminal, Danapur, Mokama, Buxar, Ara, Sasaram, Sonpur, Hajipur and Muzaffarpur, among others. The process of installing escalators is set to begin from March this year. Once completed, the initiative is expected to significantly reduce the time taken by passengers to change platforms and catch trains.
The move will particularly benefit senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and passengers travelling with heavy luggage. Railway officials said that at stations undergoing remodelling, it has been made mandatory to connect every platform with FOBs through escalators. This requirement will be included directly in the tender conditions.
In addition, the Railways has decided to increase the number of FOBs at stations that handle more than 50,000 passengers daily. Officials noted that rising crowd pressure on existing foot overbridges has increased the risk of accidents, making capacity expansion necessary.
Installation timeline
The target is to install the escalators between March this year and the next financial year. At Patna Junction alone, approval has been granted by the Danapur Railway Division to install eight additional escalators simultaneously. After their installation, all platforms and FOBs at the station will be fully connected through escalators.
Officials said the upgrade at Patna Junction is expected to benefit nearly two lakh passengers every day. At present, four escalators have already arrived at the station, and locations for their installation have been identified.
Stations to see expanded facilities
Apart from Patna Junction, escalator facilities will be expanded at Patna Sahib, Patliputra, Rajendranagar Terminal, Ara, Buxar, Gaya Junction, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Junction, Dhanbad, Hajipur, Muzaffarpur, Samastipur and Darbhanga stations.
Railway authorities said the initiative is part of a broader effort to modernise station infrastructure, improve passenger safety, and enhance overall travel convenience across the Bihar rail network.
