Patna’s urban transformation gained significant momentum as Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM)-1 achieved a crucial breakthrough at the PMCH Station of Metro Line 2. This engineering feat marks a pivotal step in the development of a modern, sustainable public transit system for the city, promising enhanced connectivity and a reduced carbon footprint. The progress underscores a robust commitment to fostering eco-friendly and equitable urban infrastructure for Bihar’s capital.
The breakthrough, specifically for the down-line tunnel, occurred under the extensive 8-kilometre underground Package PC-03, which links the strategically important Rajendra Nagar and Patna Junction Railway Station segments of Line 2. TBM-1, a 6.65-metre diameter Earth Pressure Balance (EPB) machine manufactured by China Railway Construction Heavy Industry Co. Ltd. (CRCHI), demonstrated its efficiency by completing the 1068-metre tunnel between Patna University and PMCH in a remarkable 12 months, following its relaunch in June 2024. This achievement builds upon its prior success in constructing a 1494-metre down-line tunnel between Moin-ul-Haq Station and Patna University Station over an 11-month period.
The execution of Package PC-03, awarded to Larsen & Toubro by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) in December 2021 for a substantial sum of Rs. 1989 crore with a 42-month deadline, encompasses a multifaceted scope. This includes the design and construction of twin tunnels by shield TBM, cut-and-cover tunnels, an underground ramp at Rajendra Nagar, and six vital underground metro stations: Rajendra Nagar, Moin Ul Haq Stadium, University, PMCH, Gandhi Maidan, and Akashvani. The project also incorporates essential architectural finishing, water supply, sanitary installations, and drainage works, ensuring comprehensive and functional infrastructure.
The rapid advancement of the Patna Metro aligns seamlessly with the global imperative for sustainable urban development. A robust metro system is instrumental in reducing reliance on private vehicles, thereby significantly lowering vehicular emissions and contributing to a cleaner, zero-net-carbon urban environment. By offering a high-capacity, energy-efficient mode of transport, the metro fosters a more eco-friendly city, mitigating traffic congestion and improving air quality. This shift towards sustainable mobility is critical for enhancing the overall quality of life for Patna’s residents and positioning the city as a model for future green urbanisation.
Furthermore, the metro’s expansion promises to deliver a more equitable and accessible transport network. The inclusion of stations at key public institutions like PMCH (Patna Medical College and Hospital) and Patna University ensures that essential services and educational hubs are easily reachable for all citizens, including students, patients, and healthcare professionals. This improved connectivity enhances social equity by providing reliable and affordable transit options, fostering greater mobility for women, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities. Such infrastructure development is fundamental to creating truly gender-neutral and inclusive cities, where every individual has unhindered access to opportunities and services.
The consistent progress of the Patna Metro project, exemplified by this recent TBM breakthrough, signifies a strategic investment in the city’s future. It is not merely about laying tracks and building stations; it is about constructing the backbone of a modern, resilient, and sustainable urban ecosystem. As Line 2 continues to take shape, it is poised to unlock new economic opportunities, streamline daily commutes, and enhance the overall liveability of Patna, propelling it towards becoming a more connected, environmentally conscious, and socially just metropolitan centre.
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