Bihar News : The construction of the Harding Park Passenger Terminal, a major railway infrastructure project aimed at reducing passenger congestion at Patna Junction, has made little progress even 14 months after its foundation stone was laid.
The ambitious project was inaugurated virtually by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 30, 2025, with the first phase scheduled for completion within 18 months. However, officials say less than 10% of the work has been completed so far.
₹95-Crore First Phase
The first phase of the project, estimated at ₹95 crore, includes the construction of:
- A G+4 station building
- A G+6 building
- A subway
- A foot overbridge (FOB)
- A Signal & Telecommunication (S&T) building
- A boundary wall
- Five railway platforms
The project also proposes to cover all platforms and railway tracks with modern roof sheds, similar to those at metro stations and airports, to provide improved passenger amenities.
Slow Progress on the Ground
The current status of the construction site falls far short of the planned schedule. The boundary wall remains incomplete, while only limited earth filling and land levelling work has been carried out. Not a single pillar for the proposed platform roof has been erected so far.
Several construction machines remain stationed at the Harding Park ground, but work across most of the project area has virtually come to a standstill.
Technical and Administrative Hurdles
Railway sources said the project has been delayed due to the pending approval of the engineering service plan and technical challenges in laying new railway tracks because of the existing washing pit line.
Officials also cited a lack of coordination among different departments as a major factor contributing to the delay.
Railway Officials Express Concern
During a review meeting held on April 30, East Central Railway General Manager Chhatrasal Singh expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of construction. He directed officials to accelerate work on track linking, the boundary wall, bridge extension, and the S&T building within ten days, while also asking them to prepare the design for Phase II at the earliest.
However, nearly two months after those directions, only limited progress—mainly on the boundary wall—has been reported.
Delay May Increase Project Cost
The prolonged delay has raised concerns over the future of the project. Experts believe that if construction continues to be delayed, the overall project cost could increase by around 15%.
The setback also threatens the Railways’ plan to ease passenger congestion at Patna Junction, as the new terminal is yet to make any meaningful progress toward completion.
