Indian Railways will construct a terminal and platforms on the land of Harding Park in Patna, reducing congestion at Patna Junction and easing the burden on passengers and traffic, as announced by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav in response to a question from BJP’s Sushil Kumar Modi in the Rajya Sabha on Friday. The proposed terminal on 4.8 acres of land is estimated to cost ₹88.35 crore, and the land was provided by the Bihar government. The meeting between high officials of the railways and the state government discussed the utilization of the southern part of Harding Park for the expansion and development of Patna Junction.
Former CRB of East Central Railway, Birendra Kumar, revealed that a meeting between top officials of the railways and the state government has taken place. The southern part of Harding Park, previously a bus terminal, will now contribute to the expansion and development of Patna Junction. Plans include creating suburban stations in Patna similar to Mumbai, Chennai, and Howrah, with the initial construction of four platforms for passenger trains. The construction of these platforms on the vacant land of Harding Park, adjacent to Patna Junction’s yard, is expected to commence soon, providing convenient access for passengers. This development is anticipated to alleviate congestion for passengers traveling towards the western and Patliputra stations.
The current blueprint envisions four platforms for local trains on a single line at Harding Park, allowing two passenger trains to stand simultaneously, enhancing operational efficiency without the need for engine changes in MEMU trains. The project is poised to improve travel convenience and streamline railway operations in the region.
In another railway development, a train is set to run between Saharsa and Forbesganj before Holi, providing crucial connectivity. The railway authorities have shared details about the plan, indicating significant progress in railway infrastructure in Bihar.