Patna: Construction of the Harding Park Passenger Terminal, planned to ease passenger congestion at Patna Junction, has made limited progress more than a year after its foundation stone was laid.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the project through video conferencing on May 30, 2023. The first phase was scheduled to be completed within 18 months.
However, less than 10% of the first-phase work has been completed so far, according to railway sources.
Rs 95-Crore First Phase
The first phase has an estimated cost of around Rs 95 crore. It includes a G+4 station building, a G+6 building, a subway, a foot-over bridge, an S&T building, a boundary wall and five platforms.
The project also envisages modern roofing sheds covering the platforms and all five railway lines, similar to facilities at metro stations and airports.
Construction Progress Remains Limited
Work at the site remains behind the original schedule. The boundary wall is yet to be completed, while earth-filling and levelling have been carried out in some sections.
No pillars for the proposed roofing sheds have been erected so far. Several construction machines brought to the Harding Park grounds are also lying idle, while work in several parts of the site has remained largely stalled.
Railway sources said technical issues were affecting progress, including the pending final approval of the engineering service plan and problems concerning the washing pit line.
These issues have also affected the laying and linking of new railway tracks, according to the sources.
Railway Officials Seek Faster Work
During a review meeting on April 30, East Central Railway General Manager Chhatrasal Singh expressed dissatisfaction with the progress of the terminal project.
He directed officials to accelerate Phase-1 works, including track linking, construction of the boundary wall, bridge extension and the S&T building, within 10 days. He also instructed officials to expedite preparation of the design for Phase 2.
Nearly two months after the directive, significant progress remains difficult to see at the site. Railway sources said work on the boundary wall has advanced since the review, but other major components have not progressed at the expected pace.
Delay Could Affect Project Costs
The delay has raised concerns over the completion timeline and the Railways’ plan to use the terminal to reduce pressure on Patna Junction.
Experts associated with railway infrastructure have also raised concerns that prolonged delays could increase the project cost. Estimates suggest the cost could rise by around 15% if construction continues to be delayed.
The Railways has yet to complete the key infrastructure planned under the first phase, leaving the terminal behind the schedule originally set for the project.
