From Patna Junction to Hardinge Park: PM Modi Initiates Next-Gen Railway Terminal Project
Patna: A new, state-of-the-art railway terminal is being constructed in the heart of the city near Hardinge Park, with the foundation stone laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Bikramganj on Friday. The Rs 95 crore project aims to decongest Patna Junction, streamline train operations and provide modern amenities for passengers.
The terminal, to be developed on approximately 4.8 acres near Veer Kunwar Singh Park (Hardinge Park) on the west side of Patna Junction, will feature five new terminal platforms. Inspired by Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, the design includes an airport-style waiting hall, digital ticketing counters, escalators, lifts, clean toilets, a food court and other passenger-centric services.
Once operational, the terminal is expected to handle over 85 MEMU passenger trains connecting Patna to cities such as Buxar, Islampur, Tilaiya, Kiul, Jhajha, Rajgir, Hajipur, Barauni, Muzaffarpur, Chhapra, Raxaul and Jaynagar. The only major route not currently included in the terminal’s scope is the Patna–Gaya line.
To further ease mobility, the terminal will be integrated with Patna Metro, the multi-modal transport hub, and major road networks. Direct access to taxis, autos and city buses from the station exit will also reduce travel time for passengers. Underground corridors will link all platforms, allowing hassle-free platform changes.
Railway officials say the terminal’s development will reduce pressure on Patna Junction, lower train turnaround times and eventually pave the way for operating mail and express trains from the new facility. In addition, the project is expected to generate employment opportunities in sectors such as station maintenance, catering, security and services.
This development also has historical significance. The railway land for the terminal project was provided by the Bihar government in exchange for the land used to build Atal Path, which now runs along the former Digha–Patna rail route initiated during the tenure of former Railway Minister Lalu Prasad.
