Nitish launches work on tunnel linking Bihar and Patna museums

Patna: Chief minister Nitish Kumar on Sunday inaugurated the start of construction of an underground tunnel connecting Bihar Museum and Patna Museum, a project costing Rs542 crore. He launched the work by pressing the button of the construction machine and directed officials to complete it expeditiously.The 1.5-km subterranean passage, described as a “Heritage Corridor,” is designed to create a world-class cultural experience by enabling seamless movement between the two institutions. It is being billed as the first project of its kind in the country to link two major museums through an underground corridor. Officials briefed the CM on the construction process and the expected timeline for completion. Issuing instructions, Nitish said special care must be taken to ensure the work is completed “in a better manner and at the earliest.” He added, “Once completed, people will be able to easily move from one place to another to view the exhibits displayed at Bihar Museum and Patna Museum.” Anticipating a rise in footfall, he said, “Keeping in mind that the number of tourists will increase significantly, adequate arrangements for parking and other necessary facilities should also be ensured.” He also stressed that the tunnel should be built so that there is no disruption to traffic movement on Nehru Path.After the launch, Nitish toured the Bihar Museum, where director general Anjani Kumar Singh shared details on new exhibits, tourist numbers, parking arrangements, and facilities available on the premises. The CM reviewed the information and issued necessary directions to officials.Nitish also inspected ongoing redevelopment work in front of the Bihar Museum, including construction of 60 residences and the Officers’ Hostel campus, along with a park. He asked officials to speed up the work. “It had always been our desire that the old structure be demolished and a multi-storey building be constructed, equipped with all kinds of necessary facilities,” he said.He added that the new multi-storey building along Nehru Path would improve housing. “A well-designed park should be constructed alongside it so that people visiting the museum can enjoy it as well,” he said.