Patna is set to receive a significant gift soon, as the construction of a multi-modal hub near GPO Golambar is expected to be completed by March 2024 under the Smart City mission. This project, which falls under the Smart City Mission, aims to alleviate traffic congestion issues around Patna Junction, GPO Golambar, and surrounding areas.
Initially planned as a two-level multi-modal hub, the project has been expanded to include two additional destinations, with Patna Smart City allocating an additional 130 million INR for connecting these destinations. After recent changes, the cost has increased from 65 million to 781.1 million INR. The completion of this project is expected to relieve traffic congestion in the vicinity of Patna Junction.
Parking arrangements for an additional 100 vehicles will be provided, with a bus stand on the ground floor capable of accommodating around 32 buses simultaneously, serving various areas of the city. Additional facilities at the hub will include e-charging points, a cafeteria, an ATM kiosk, a ticket counter, and a waiting area. Auto drivers will also have dedicated stands.
The design of the multi-modal hub includes plans for an underground subway, connecting Patna Junction to the hub, which is anticipated to be completed by March. The subway will have a total length of 440 meters, with approximately 320 meters passing under the ground directly to the main building of the junction and the south side of Mahavir Temple. Escalators and an automatic travellator will be installed for easy access.
The subway exit point will be located between Mahavir Temple and the Railway Engine, with a width of 14 meters. Efforts are being made to reduce the width to accommodate the existing railway infrastructure.
For the construction of the underground subway, one lane near Station Golambar has been closed, and a portion of the road leading to the GPO has been diverted for some distance. This has caused inconvenience for commuters leaving Patna Junction, leading to traffic congestion in the area.
