Patna: The Patna Smart City project is set for a significant expansion, with the multi-modal hub near GPO Golambar being upgraded from a G-3 to a G-5 structure. The redevelopment aims to boost parking capacity, ease congestion and offer improved facilities to the nearly 35,000 passengers who use the hub daily.
Currently featuring 32 bus bays and space for 225 cars, the upgraded five-storey structure will accommodate roughly 140 additional cars, further strengthening Bihar’s first integrated transport hub that connects buses, autos, taxis and private vehicles in one location.
Structure Test Completed; Design Phase Underway
Officials said the building’s floor strength test was completed two months ago, and the final structural design is now in progress.
At present:
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Ground floor: City buses
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First floor: Auto stand
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Upper floors: Car parking
No parking fee is being collected yet as the tender for the operating agency is under process. The board is expected to finalise the operator and fee shortly.
Direct Link to Patna Junction Benefiting Thousands
The hub is directly connected to Patna Junction via a 440-metre-long subway. Around 15,000 passengers use the subway daily to reach the station, while 30,000 to 35,000 commuters use the entire hub from morning to late evening.
Smart City officials said the upgrade has helped reduce traffic jams and crowding, especially during peak hours. Plans are also underway to introduce an ATM, shops and restaurants, with tenders already floated but delayed due to elections.
Low Usage at Nearby MLCPs Raises Concerns
Despite the expansion, Patna’s earlier multilevel parking facilities near Maurya Lok are seeing poor public response. Only 13 cars were parked there on Sunday despite a rate of Rs. 20 per hour.
Meanwhile, the MLCP near Buddha Smriti Park is being underutilised, with the upper floors used for municipal garbage vehicles instead of private parking.
Modern Digital Signage, LED Displays to Be Installed
During a recent inspection, Smart City officials confirmed that the subway and hub will soon feature:
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Two VMD (Variable Message Display) boards — at Station Golambar and Buddha Smriti Park
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LED display boards near escalators
These will provide live train running status, arrival/departure times, platform numbers, and bus/auto stand information.
