Patna: The state capital Patna is expected to move closer to completing the operational phase of its primary metro corridor, with the remaining Bhootnath to Malahi Pakri section scheduled for final inspection on Monday by the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS).
Approval from the CMRS is required before passenger services can begin on the stretch. Once clearance is granted, officials are expected to announce an inauguration date, after which metro operations on the remaining section could start.
Because of the inspection, metro services between New Pataliputra Bus Terminal (ISBT) and Bhootnath will remain suspended on Monday. Services are due to resume on Tuesday.
Primary corridor close to completion
The primary corridor of Patna Metro, measuring 6.107 kilometres, has been partially operational since October 6 last, with trains currently running on the 2.9-kilometre ISBT to Bhootnath section.
Once services extend to Malahi Pakri, the entire primary corridor will become operational.
However, passengers will not immediately receive service at Khemnichak station, where construction has been delayed because of late land acquisition. Officials said the station is likely to take another two to three months to complete.
Underground electricity project for eight neighbourhoods
Separately, authorities are preparing to begin underground electricity cabling in eight residential zones of Patna in an effort to modernise urban power infrastructure.
The state power utility has selected Konkan Railway as the implementing agency for the project. Survey work has already begun and is expected to be completed within two to three months, after which construction will begin.
The project, valued at Rs. 648 crore, will cover the New Capital, Gardanibagh, Ashiana, Rajendranagar, Kankarbagh, Patna City, Bankipur and Pataliputra electricity supply divisions.
Main roads to benefit first
Officials said 33kV and 11kV power lines linked to major roads would be shifted underground in the first phase. Smaller lanes and neighbourhood streets are not expected to be covered immediately.
Four divisions — Kankarbagh II, Gulzarbagh, Khagaul and Danapur — have been left out of the current phase because of rapid ongoing urban expansion and new construction in those areas.
