PMRC identifies 76-acre for metro depot in Patna

The process of land acquisition for the Patna Metro depot near Patliputra ISBT at Mauza Pahadi on Patna- Gaya Road is all set to start as the Patna Metro Rail Corporation (PMRC) has identified a 76-acre plot and its social impact assessment is about to begin. District land acquisition officer, Pankaj Patel, informed that the depot will consist of two workshop bays with provision for two more in the future and two inspection bays with provision for two in the future, 8 stabling lines which can accommodate 32 three-coach trains, and an auto-coach washing plant. The administrative area will consist of an auditorium, training school, canteen and operational control centre. The construction work of ISBT rail depot would be completed before the priority corridor between New Patliputra ISBT and Malahi Pakri under Corridor I. As all activities would start from the depot, it would be developed on a priority basis and the construction work would complete within 18 months after the commencement of work. Earlier, two depots were proposed; however, due to some changes in metro alignment, the Aitwarpur depot was dropped. Now, both the corridors have one depot near ISBT. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) would invite bids for the construction of Patna Metro's depot where in the first phase, the 6.1- km stretch will come up, which include five elevated stations — New Patliputra ISBT, Zero Mile, Bhutnath, Khemnichak and Malahi Pakri. The Corridor I will be 17.9 km long from Danapur to Khemnichack via Meethapur, of which 7.3km will be elevated, and 10.5km underground. The Corridor II will be 14.5 km from Patna station to ISBT of which, 7.9-km will be underground and 6.6-km elevated.