Patna: The Railway Board has approved the inclusion of Patna Junction under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS), paving the way for a comprehensive redevelopment of the historic station, aid Danapur divisional railway manager (DRM) Jayant Kumar Choudhary said. “A detailed master plan for the project is currently being finalised and is expected to be ready by the end of May. The redevelopment would transform Patna Junction into a modern, world-class facility, blending passenger convenience with commercial opportunities,” Choudhary added. As part of the plan, the railways will construct a new multi-storied building with facilities like a four-star hotel within the station premises, alongside smart parking facilities capable of accommodating up to 1,500 to 2,000 vehicles. The upgraded station will also feature a multi-cuisine restaurant and a shopping complex. The inclusion of Patna Junction under the ABSS is expected to bring in substantial investment and elevate the station’s profile to that of a modern urban hub. The master plan is likely to retain the cultural essence of the city while incorporating cutting-edge amenities and sustainability features, the DRM said. Choudhary also appreciated the efforts of the ECR GM Chhatrasal Singh for sanctioning Rs 60 crore from the headquarters funds to build two new foot over bridges (FOBs) having 12 metres width at the east and west end of Patna Junction to decongest a huge traffic flow. “A new building G+2 has been approved to be constructed at the east end of the Patna Junction parcel office to deal with ‘parcel handling’ smoothly and provide more passenger amenities in view of the sudden increase in footfall of passengers up to three lakh daily and five lakh during the festival period at Patna Junction,” he said.
