Patna: The responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the 440-metre underground subway connecting Patna Junction with the multimodal hub at GPO Golambar is set to be shared between Patna Smart City Limited (PSCL) and the Shri Mahavir Sthan Nyas Samiti, which manages the Mahavir Mandir.
Under the proposed arrangement, the trust will contribute approximately Rs 4 lakh per month towards the subway’s maintenance costs, with Patna Smart City Limited bearing the remaining Rs 4 lakh. A meeting between the two sides has already taken place, and the final decision will be taken at a board meeting.
The subway was constructed by Patna Smart City Limited at a cost of approximately Rs 84.8 crore. Its operation and maintenance currently cost around Rs 8 lakh per month. Since the facility became operational, approximately Rs 1.5 crore has been spent on these activities.
The proposed cost-sharing arrangement is expected to change the distribution of financial responsibilities between the two organisations.
Four Travellators, Two Escalators and Two Lifts
The underground subway has been designed to provide convenient access between the GPO Golambar multimodal hub, Patna Junction and Mahavir Mandir.
The facility includes four travellators, two escalators and two lifts to assist commuters. It allows people travelling between the multimodal hub, the railway station and the temple to avoid crossing the road at street level.
The subway is used extensively by railway passengers and devotees visiting Mahavir Mandir.
Six Shops Planned Inside the Subway
The subway also houses six shops spread across an area of approximately 600 square feet. The monthly rental rates for these commercial units are currently being determined.
Once the process is completed, the shops will be handed over to the Shri Mahavir Sthan Nyas Samiti for allocation.
The trust will allot the shops in accordance with commercial rules, while the revenue generated through rentals will be transferred to Patna Smart City Limited. The arrangement is expected to provide the civic infrastructure agency with a regular source of revenue.
Up to 40,000 People Use the Subway Daily
An estimated 30,000–40,000 people use the subway every day to travel between the multimodal hub and Patna Junction. The facility also sees considerable footfall from devotees visiting Mahavir Mandir.
At present, the construction agency is handling the subway’s operation and maintenance. Once the proposed arrangement is approved and implemented, the financial burden and responsibilities associated with maintaining the facility will be shared differently.
The final terms of the arrangement will be confirmed following the board meeting.
