Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has inaugurated three significant infrastructure projects aimed at transforming Patna’s urban landscape and alleviating longstanding traffic woes in key areas of the city.
The highlight of the inauguration is the first phase of the J P Ganga Path, colloquially known as Ganga driveway, envisioned to mirror global waterfront promenades like Mumbai’s Marine Drive and London’s Thames Path. Stretching 7.4 kilometers from Digha to Patna Medical College Hospital (PMCH), this project includes a 6.5-kilometer semi-elevated stretch constructed along the Ganga’s banks, facilitated by a 13-meter-high bund. Initiated in 2013 and intermittently delayed, the project gained momentum following a Rs 2,000 crore loan from the Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO) last year, underscoring its critical role in enhancing Patna’s connectivity and urban aesthetic. Simultaneously, the second phase of Atal Path, spanning 6.5 kilometers between R Block and Digha, has been completed as a crucial north-south expressway corridor within the state capital. Costing Rs 68 crore, this six-lane road was developed by repurposing an old rail track, facilitating seamless vehicular movement from central Patna to northern Bihar, PMCH, and AIIMS via the Digha-AIIMS semi-elevated corridor.
Additionally, the Mithapur arm of the Karbigahiya Rail Overbridge (ROB), a project initiated 19 years ago and accelerated following recent regulatory approvals, aims to streamline traffic flow from Kankarbagh towards Gandanibagh and Khagaual. With an expenditure of Rs 186 crore, this infrastructure enhancement is expected to alleviate congestion on Bailey Road significantly. Speaking on the occasion, Bihar’s Road Construction Minister highlighted the transformative impact of these projects on Patna’s traffic management and urban development. He emphasized that these initiatives are part of a larger strategy to modernize Patna’s infrastructure, reduce commute times, and enhance overall connectivity within the city and beyond. The inauguration underscores Bihar’s commitment to sustainable urban growth and efficient transport solutions, positioning Patna as a hub of development and economic activity in the region. As the projects come online, residents anticipate reduced congestion, improved road safety, and enhanced quality of life, heralding a new era of urban mobility and development for the historic city of Patna.
