Patna: Parking facilities will be developed at Malahi Pakadi station on Patna Metro’s primary corridor, as construction work on the stretch moves closer to operational readiness, officials said after a review meeting on Monday.
The meeting was chaired by Patna Metro Rail Corporation director and urban development department secretary Sandeep Kumar R Pudkalkatti, who assessed progress with the construction agency at the Urban Development and Housing Department. Each segment of the project was reviewed against timelines and physical targets.
Officials said track and electrical works have been completed between Malahi Pakadi and Khemnichak, ahead of Bhootnath station, and instructions were issued to finish the remaining tasks within the stipulated timeframe. It was noted during the meeting that land owned by the department behind Malahi Pakadi station is currently occupied by slums. Once cleared, the site will be used to provide parking facilities for metro commuters.
The construction agency informed the meeting that around 90% of the work at Khemnichak station has been completed and is expected to be finished by March or April.
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Safety inspections are scheduled later this month before the metro becomes operational on the Bhootnath–Malahi Pakadi section. An inspection by the Chief Electrical Inspector of the Government of India is slated for February 11, followed by a Commissioner of Railway Safety inspection on February 25. Metro services will begin only after approvals from both authorities.
A previous inspection by the Chief Electrical Inspector was carried out on January 23, after which power supply was restored to energise the electrical substation at Malahi Pakadi on February 5.
Tunnel excavation and underground works were also reviewed. The construction agency said tunnelling is under way between Patna University and Gandhi Maidan, while excavation has started between Moinul Haq Stadium and Rajendra Nagar station. However, work on one section has been halted due to the absence of a no-objection certificate from the railways.
Officials directed the agency to coordinate with railway authorities and secure the necessary clearance at the earliest to avoid further delays.
