Patna: Only 5% of the total work on the Patna Metro Rail project has so far been completed in the state.
Patna officials Metro Rail Corporation (PMRC) have quoted various reasons for slow work pace, including delays in land acquisition, non-availability of funds and pandemic Covid-19.
Construction work in the first phase of the project began in September last year.
The metro line is as high as 6.6 km (priority corridor) will have five stations from Malahi Pusti to Patliputra Isbt through Khemni Chak and Zero Mile.
It also includes a bridge that leads to the Depot Rail Metro ISBT, as well as a small rake-exchange channel in Khemni Chak to connect corridor I.
Active pole work in this priority corridor to install the track.
This is likely to be ready in 2023.
The estimated cost of the project is around RS 553 Crore.
The total length of the corridor II was 14.5 km, including the underground stretch of 7.9km from Patna Junction to Rajendra Nagar.
A PMRC official said all obstacles would end if they got the required land, a total of 76 hectares, for the construction of the ISBT depot in the Ranipur and Pahadi area and also for the metro station and tracks elsewhere.
“We will get funds from the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) after we get land for depots and other infrastructure.
JICA will contribute 60% of the total cost of the Metro Rail project as a loan while 20% of the cost will be borne by the centers and their respective countries , “Officially added.
The state government has gave sanctions around RS 1,000 Crore to Patna Regency Administration to acquire land for the Metro Depot.
The Pramod Kumar district land procurement officer said the plot assessment report was sent to the state government.
“After cleaning, notifications for land acquisition will be issued.
This will take around 90 days to complete the procedure,” he said.
According to officials, working on the construction of a metro tunnel, tracks and stations has not started because of the unavailability of funds.
“Covid pandemic also has an impact on progress,” he added.
Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, a technical consultant for the PMRC project, has been awarded work for the construction of twin tunnels, underground roads, and six underground stations as part of the corridor II, but the work has not started.
Around RS 1,958 Crore is required for underground stations and will be ready in 42 months after the start of work.
My corridor will be 17.9 km from Danapur to Khemnenichack through Meethapur – 7.3km increasing and 10.5 km underground.