The completion of the ongoing excavation for the underground line and station from Moinul Haq Stadium Metro Station to Patna University Metro Station is now anticipated by March 2024, as opposed to the initially estimated six to eight months. Delays have arisen due to technical challenges encountered during the excavation in the clayey soil characteristic of Patna.
The Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), having been lowered approximately 18 meters for this one-and-a-half-kilometer section, is moving cautiously due to the challenges posed by the clayey soil. The alignment in underground digging demands careful consideration, and the smooth internal soil of Patna necessitates slow operation to prevent any disturbance in the alignment.
After completing the excavation from the stadium to the university, both TBMs will be launched again from Patna University station to PMCH station. This transition process is expected to take some time. The use of two TBMs from the stadium to the university aims to facilitate simultaneous metro operation on both the up and down routes.
The Bihar Cabinet’s recent transfer of 0.498 acres of land to the Urban Development and Housing Department for the metro station near Moinul Haq Stadium is expected to expedite construction. Although work on the underground track and station is already underway, the availability of permanent land will further accelerate progress.
The Moinul Haq Stadium underground station, part of Corridor-2 in the Patna Metro Rail Project, is planned to be a two-story structure. With a length of 202 meters and a width of 21 meters, the station will be situated 18 meters underground, featuring a platform length of approximately 140 meters. Two gates will be constructed, one within the stadium and the other on the main road. Additionally, six escalators and three lifts are planned for passenger convenience.
To accommodate metro work, a portion of the lane from Patna Junction towards GPO was temporarily closed. The closure created a circular barricade around the entrance of Mahavir Temple, diverting traffic through a modified second lane. Despite the altered route towards Golambar, vehicles continued to traverse the area.