Patna: The Patna Metro depot, being developed near New Patliputra Inter-state Bus Terminal (ISBT) at Bairiya Chak in Sampatchak, is nearing completion.Spread over 32.77 hectares, the depot will be more than just a parking space for trains; it will be the powerhouse monitoring every movement across the city’s metro network. Being called the ‘brain’ of Patna Metro, the controllers will be able to track which train is at which station and its real-time speed through the large screens and sensors installed at the main command centre. In case of any emergency, directions to trains will be issued from here to ensure the safety of commuters.The facility aims to make travel not just fast but fully secure, according to the officials of Patna Metro Rail Corporation Limited (PMRC).While Patna Metro is currently run across three stations — Patliputra Bus Terminal, Zero Mile and Bhootnath.According to a PMRC official, “The depot has eight stabling lines, where trains will rest at night after daily service and prepare for the next day. To enhance the travel experience, an automatic coach-washing plant has been installed. As a train passes through, sensor-based brushes and water jets will make it clean in minutes. A separate heavy cleaning system is also available for deep cleaning.”It also houses a world-class workshop and inspection platforms for detailed checks to fix any technical faults before operations. Only after routine inspection, is a train cleared for service.For additional safety, a dedicated 739-metre ‘test track’ has been built inside the depot. Before running with passengers on the main line, every train must pass this trial where its performance and safety features will be tested in detail. Besides, a world-class workshop will use machines to ‘X-ray’ everything from nuts and bolts to complex circuits of metro trains.Advanced machinery and engineering units handle everything from routine maintenance to emergencies. A strong power backup system ensures uninterrupted electricity. Water, drainage and other support systems are designed to be durable and eco-friendly, keeping services running without disruptions.“Engineers and workers are working day and night to complete the depot near the ISBT from where the trains will start and move to the elevated track,” the PMRC official added.
