Patna: The bustling academic hub of Patna is set to witness a significant transformation in student commuting with the introduction of the Patna University (PU) underground metro station, a crucial component of the Patna Metro Rail Project.
This underground station, stretching from the university area on Ashok Rajpath to NIT Patna, is poised to alleviate the daily grind for thousands of students who travel from different parts of the city to pursue their studies, including those at NIT Patna, PU, Science College, various private coaching institutes, and a handful of prestigious schools.
The two-level underground metro station, which is approximately 160 meters in length and situated 16 meters below the ground, is slated to become a vital time-saving conduit for students and faculties seeking access to the Ashok Rajpath area. Beyond the academic community, it promises respite to residents residing near Ashok Rajpath, Patna City, Gulzar Bagh, NIT Mor, Khajanchi Road, Govind Mitra Road, and surrounding areas by mitigating traffic congestion and streamlining intra-city commuting.
The meticulously designed station is poised to enhance the experience of metro riders with its three entry/exit gates strategically placed for accessibility:
Entry/Exit Gate – 1 is proposed to be located in front of Patna Science College, PU.
Entry/Exit Gate – 2 will be positioned near NIT Patna Mor.
Entry/Exit – 3 will be within the campus of Rajkiya Shamshul Hoda Madrasa premises.
The underground metro station will feature a two-level structure, with the concourse at level -1. The concourse will offer passenger-centric amenities such as ticket counters, public conveniences including restrooms, and security checkpoints, while the platform will be situated at level -2. All these levels will be seamlessly interconnected and linked to the ground level, facilitating smooth transitions for commuters.
To cater to the diverse needs of passengers, the station will provide a range of facilities, including six escalators, five staircases for public use, with one escalator and one staircase allocated for Entry/Exit 2 and 3, and a staircase for Entry/Exit -1. For the movement of passengers from the concourse to the platform level, four escalators and two staircases will be available. Additionally, the station will feature three lifts for passengers with special needs, the elderly, and those requiring assistance, connecting the ground level to the concourse level at each entry/exit.
Furthermore, the PU underground metro station has been meticulously designed to address emergency situations, with three fire escapes, one of which directly connects the platform and concourse to exit the station premises. The other two fire escapes (staircases) will enable passengers to evacuate from the platform to the concourse, and from there, any of the three entry/exits can be taken for a safe exit. A separate firemen’s staircase is also incorporated for firefighters to access the station premises during emergency situations.
