L&T initiates first tunnel excavation for Patna Metro Phase 1 Project

At Patna University Station, Larsen & Toubro (L&T) commemorates the groundbreaking of their first tunnel, Package PC-03, an 8 km subterranean link for the 30.91 km Patna Metro Phase 1 project that connects Rajendra Nagar and Patna Junction Railway Station.

This significant milestone was reached by TBM Mahavir (DZ1090), a 6.65 m diameter EPB machine made by China Railway Construction Heavy Industry Co. Ltd. (CRCHI), on the 14.05 km Patna Metro Line-2 (Patna Junction Railway Station, New ISBT).

After being put together and lowered into its launch shaft at Moin-ul-Haq Station in March 2023, TBM Mahavir was put into service for the first time in April, excavating a 1494-meter portion of the down-line tunnel that would lead to Patna University.

In December 2021, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) granted L&T a contract worth ₹ 1989 crore for the Patna Metro Phase 1 Package PC-03, with a 42-month duration.

Through TBM-bored twin tunnels and six underground stations at Akashvani (previously Dak Bungalow), Gandhi Maidan, PMCH, Patna University, Moin Ul Haq Stadium, and Rajendra Nagar, PC-03 will link a ramp near Rajendra Nagar with Patna Junction Railway Station.

A month after TBM Mahavir, L&T’s second machine, TBM Buddha (DZ1091), was put into service on the parallel up-line tunnel.

For the 16.86 km of Line-1’s 8 km underground portion, which will be constructed via packages PC-05 & PC-06, bidding has been open since December 2023. With technical bids opening the following day, the filing deadline of April 2 has been extended from the initial date of February 13.

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