The Patna Metro Rail Corporation (PMRC) has reached a significant milestone with the successful breakthrough of its first tunnel, achieved by Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM)-02. This marks a crucial step forward in Bihar’s inaugural metro rail project, which has an estimated budget exceeding Rs 13,000 crore.
The Patna Metro project features two primary corridors: one from Danapur to Mithapur and another from Patna Railway Station to New ISBT. The newly completed tunnel is part of Corridor-2, linking the ISBT station and Patna Junction, representing a major advancement in Phase 1 of the project.
Spanning 1480 meters between Moin Ul Haq Stadium station and University station, TBM-02 began its journey in July 2023 and successfully completed the tunnel in 10 months, culminating on May 14, 2024, as per PMRC’s statement.
Tunnel construction for the metro in Bihar’s capital has posed formidable challenges. PMRC highlighted the obstacles faced along the tunnel alignment, including approximately 900 buildings and 100 bore wells. Despite these challenges, the project persevered, navigating through the densely populated area to achieve this milestone.
Under the Guidance of DMRC
In March, Daljeet Singh, Advisor (Special Works) of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), issued directives to expedite construction while ensuring safety and adherence to timelines. Singh conducted thorough inspections of various construction sites, assessing progress in civil, electrical, and track-related works at locations including Malahi Pakdi, Khemnichak, Bhootnath Road, ISBT Depot, RPS Mor, Sagunamore, and Patliputra Station. This focused oversight underscores the commitment to completing the project on schedule while maintaining strict safety protocols.
With the successful breakthrough of the first tunnel, the PMRC is vigorously pushing forward to initiate train operations along its corridors, marking a significant step in the realization of Patna’s first metro rail project.