Patna: The Patna Metro project is moving into its next major phase, with authorities accelerating construction on the underground section after metro operations were extended to Malahi Pakri.
Work is progressing simultaneously at multiple underground stations, while preparations are underway to begin tunnel excavation beneath Bailey Road in November—a milestone that will also bring significant traffic restrictions along one of the city’s busiest corridors.
Underground Station Construction Gains Momentum
Construction activity has intensified at the Rukanpura underground station, where engineers are strengthening guide walls between Grids 15 and 16, an essential step in preparing for deep excavation.
At the nearby Vikas Bhawan station, concreting work is underway to reinforce the guide walls and ensure structural stability and alignment.
Meanwhile, in the elevated section of the corridor, workers are installing purlins for the Pre-Engineered Building (PEB) roof.
Tunnel Excavation To Begin In November
According to project officials, excavation of the underground metro tunnel beneath Bailey Road is expected to begin in November.
A launching shaft is currently being built near Patna Zoo, with construction expected to be completed within the next three months.
Once the shaft is ready, Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) will be lowered underground to begin excavation.
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Four TBMs To Dig In Two Directions
The tunnelling work will be carried out in two phases using four Tunnel Boring Machines.
In the first phase, two TBMs will move westwards from the Zoo towards Raja Bazar and Rukanpura, constructing the underground tunnel.
In the second phase, another two TBMs will head eastwards from the Zoo towards Vikas Bhawan and Vidyut Bhawan.
Corridor-1 To Link Mithapur And Patliputra Junction
Under Corridor-1, a 10.54-km underground section will connect Mithapur with Patliputra Junction.
The route will begin at an elevated station in Mithapur before descending underground through a ramp. It will then pass beneath the railway line to reach Patna Junction.
From there, the metro line will continue beneath Bailey Road, connecting Vidyut Bhawan, Vikas Bhawan, Patna Zoo, Raja Bazar and Rukanpura, before returning to an elevated alignment through another ramp towards Patliputra Junction.
Officials said the underground section will include five stations along Bailey Road:
- Vidyut Bhawan
- Vikas Bhawan
- Patna Zoo
- Raja Bazar
- Rukanpura
The tunnel will be excavated to a depth of approximately 16 metres below ground.
Bailey Road Faces Major Traffic Constraints
The underground construction is expected to significantly affect traffic movement on Bailey Road, one of Patna’s busiest arterial roads linking central and western parts of the city.
During excavation, private vehicles travelling in both directions will have to share a 15-metre-wide corridor, effectively reducing the available carriageway to around half its current width.
Commercial vehicles will be diverted from the route.
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According to officials, Bailey Road currently carries 12,000 to 13,000 Passenger Car Units (PCUs) per hour during peak periods. Even its existing six-lane carriageway often struggles to accommodate this volume.
With road space set to shrink during construction, commuters are likely to face congestion until the underground metro section is completed, even as the project promises to transform public transport in Patna over the longer term.
