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Bihar approves Rs 5.42 bn for tunnel linking Bihar, Patna Museum

2023-08-11

The Bihar government has approved a funding of Rs 5.42 billion for the development of a state-of-the-art heritage tunnel, a subway designed to link the Bihar Museum and the Patna Museum. This decision was reached during a cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The proposal was initially presented to the cabinet by the Urban Development and Housing Department of the state.

S Siddhartha, the Additional Chief Secretary of the Cabinet Secretariat, informed the press, "The task of constructing a tunnel spanning 1.5 km to connect the Bihar Museum and the Patna Museum has been entrusted to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC). The cabinet has given the green light to the revised budget of Rs 5.42 billion for the project."

The tunnel is set to establish a seamless link between the Bihar Museum situated on Bailey Road and the Patna Museum located in Chajju Bagh. Siddhartha elaborated that the project is slated for completion by 2026.

During the inauguration of the Bihar Museum Biennale-2023 on the previous day, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar highlighted, "A subterranean tunnel spanning over 1.5 km is in the works, intended to connect the Bihar Museum and the Patna Museum. This innovation will enable visitors to explore both museums with a single ticket."

A senior official from the Bihar government added, "The tunnel will boast a full air-conditioning system along with dual lifts at either end. For those who prefer walking, staircases and pedestrian pathways will be available. Additionally, battery-operated golf cars will ensure a smooth, convenient, and environmentally friendly mode of transportation for visitors."

The safety of visitors will be of paramount concern, as the tunnel will be outfitted with comprehensive fire safety measures and protocols for secure evacuation, the official further explained.