Patna: The residents of Patna will soon get a major infrastructural boost with the completion of a multi-modal transport hub and underground subway under the Smart City project. The multi-level hub, located near Patna Junction, is in its final stage, and the trial of the underground subway connecting Patna Junction to Mahavir Mandir and Buddha Smriti Park has already begun. Once fully operational, this facility is expected to ease the traffic congestion around Patna Junction significantly.
Four-Storey Hub with Modern Facilities
The Smart City initiative has developed this multi-modal hub as a four-storey complex. The ground floor will be used for city bus operations, with space to park 32 buses. The first, second, and third floors are dedicated to car parking, accommodating up to 225 vehicles. The hub will also include ticket counters for city bus services, waiting rooms, ATMs, a cafeteria, shops, and a restaurant for commuters’ convenience. Passengers will be able to wait comfortably if their trains are delayed.
Subway to Connect Key Landmarks in Minutes
An air-conditioned and automatic subway route is being constructed to link the hub with Patna Junction, Mahavir Mandir, and Buddha Smriti Park. Equipped with escalators and elevators, the subway is designed to offer easy access, especially benefiting elderly people, women, and children. Commuters can conveniently park their vehicles and reach nearby destinations on foot via the subway within minutes.
Enhanced Connectivity to Nearby Areas
Apart from connecting key spots within the city, the new hub will also facilitate bus services to areas like Bihta, Danapur, and Khagaul. The government aims to improve local as well as regional mobility through this facility. Public Relation Officer of Patna Smart City, Priya Saurabh, highlighted that this project will not only cater to residents of the capital but also serve people from across the state who often face difficulties near Patna Junction due to narrow roads and traffic.
Charging Stations and Shops to be Added Soon
Although the current facility does not include electric vehicle charging points, Priya Saurabh confirmed that work will begin soon to add this feature. She also mentioned that the multi-modal hub campus includes essential item shops for the public. All systems, including the subway escalator and parking operations, have undergone trial, and only the final safety check remains before public opening.
