Patna: The District Magistrate of Patna, Dr Chandrashekhar Singh, has directed rapid action on land acquisition, encroachment removal, and inter-agency coordination to expedite two major infrastructure projects: the Patna Metro and the Danapur–Bihta elevated corridor.
Presiding over a Project Monitoring Group meeting at the Patna Collectorate, Dr Singh said that both centrally and state-sponsored development schemes in the district were progressing well, with over 30 projects under implementation. However, he emphasized the need for immediate action to resolve lingering issues, particularly in high-priority transit infrastructure.
Patna Metro Works Facing Resistance from Shopkeepers and Locals
In the case of the Patna Metro, the DM noted that construction around the PMCH metro station had been delayed due to an occupied jewellery shop. He instructed the Sub-Divisional Officer, Patna Sadar, and Additional District Magistrate (Law & Order) to ensure the premises is vacated within three days in the interest of public safety.
At Khemnichak station, construction has been hindered by farmer protests. The DM directed the land acquisition officer to accelerate compensation disbursal and tasked Patna Sadar officials with removing all obstructions to resume full-scale work.
“Progress in the Metro project is otherwise encouraging,” Dr Singh said, noting that most acquisition cases have been cleared and small disputes are being resolved proactively by SDOs and SDPOs.
Danapur–Bihta Corridor Facing Utility and Land Hurdles
On the Danapur–Bihta elevated corridor project, contractors reported difficulty progressing from Shrirampur to Mahadevpur Phulari due to unresolved land and utility issues. The DM ordered the Danapur SDO to coordinate urgently with stakeholders and submit clear proposals for land rationalisation.
In addition, issues such as the relocation of a water supply pipeline near the DRM office and the need for electricity shutdowns in Usri Khurd village were flagged for resolution through inter-departmental coordination.
Encroachment and Compensation Payments Prioritised
Dr Singh also stressed the need to identify and remove encroachments across all project zones. “Any hindrance in implementation should be handled swiftly by the respective SDOs and police officials,” he said.
The meeting reviewed progress on projects being carried out by NHAI, Bridge Construction Corporation, Metro Rail, Railways, GAIL, and IOCL. Officials were urged to maintain regular communication with nodal officers and execute pending compensation payments without delay.
“The successful execution of infrastructure projects is a top administrative priority,” the DM concluded. “Officers must remain alert, responsive and committed to Bihar’s development goals”.
