Patna: Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar on Sunday inaugurated the construction of a tunnel connecting the Bihar Museum and the Patna Museum in Patna, a project estimated to cost Rs 542 crore.
The chief minister unveiled a plaque to mark the start of the project and initiated construction by activating a tunnel boring machine during a ceremony held near Hartali Mor along Nehru Path.
Officials briefed Nitish on the progress of the project and the proposed construction process for the tunnel, which is intended to provide a direct underground link between the two museums.
During the event, Nitish instructed officials to ensure that the construction work is completed within the stipulated timeline and with minimal disruption to traffic along Nehru Path.
Once completed, the tunnel is expected to allow visitors to move easily between the Bihar Museum and the historic Patna Museum, both major cultural attractions in the state capital.
Nitish also directed authorities to ensure adequate parking and other facilities for visitors in view of the increasing number of tourists visiting the museums.
Following the inauguration, the chief minister toured the Bihar Museum, where the director general of the museum, Anjani Kumar Singh, briefed him on new exhibits, visitor numbers and infrastructure facilities within the museum complex.
Nitish also reviewed plans for additional infrastructure in the area, including the construction of 60 residential quarters, an officers’ hostel and the redevelopment of a park in front of the Bihar Museum.
Officials presented a site plan for a proposed multi-storey complex that will include solar parking sheds, open parking spaces and a clubhouse.
During the inspection, Nitish directed officials to expedite the work and emphasised the need for improved residential and public infrastructure in the area.
“We have always wanted to demolish the old structure and build a multi-storey building with modern facilities,” he said, adding that a well-designed park should also be developed so visitors to the museum complex can use it as a recreational space.
The chief minister also inspected the Patna Museum end of the tunnel project and issued further instructions to officials overseeing the construction.
Deputy chief minister Vijay Kumar Sinha, chief secretary Pratyaya Amrit, principal secretary to the chief minister Deepak Kumar, urban development and housing department principal secretary Vinay Kumar, and several other senior officials attended the event.
