Patna Smart Road Over Mandiri Drain Nears Completion To Ease City Traffic
Patna’s ambitious smart road project over the Mandiri drain is nearing completion and is poised to be operational by mid-August. This 1.2-kilometre-long corridor is more than a new thoroughfare; it represents a pioneering effort to transform a long-standing environmental and public health liability into a vibrant, multi-functional urban artery. The project, which provides a direct link between Bailey Road and Ashok Rajpath, is a compelling example of how strategic infrastructure development can simultaneously address mobility challenges and enhance the quality of life for residents, aligning with the vision of creating a sustainable and equitable city.
The engineering of this road is a showcase of modern urban planning. Constructed using a double-barreled reinforced cement concrete (RCC) box, the structure not only covers the exposed drain but also features an innovative design that allows for easy access from the top. This foresight is critical, as it allows for the maintenance of essential underground utilities without the need for repetitive and disruptive road digging. The project’s inclusion of common utility ducts for optical fibre, gas pipelines, and a sewerage system is a key component of its eco-friendly design, promising a cleaner, more efficient urban environment and contributing to the city’s zero net carbon objectives.
This infrastructure renewal is set to have a profound impact on the daily lives of thousands of residents. By covering the exposed drain, the project will eliminate the pervasive and unpleasant odour that has long afflicted the area, significantly improving sanitation standards and living conditions. Furthermore, the road’s design includes wide, 3.5-metre-wide service lanes for pedestrians on both sides. This emphasis on dedicated footpaths promotes equitable and gender-neutral urban mobility, ensuring a safer and more welcoming environment for all citizens, from commuters to local residents simply traversing their neighbourhood.
Financed with a strategic investment of over ₹86 crore, the smart road is a crucial element of the city’s broader smart city initiative. It serves as a vital connector, reducing traffic pressure on parallel routes and streamlining the flow of vehicles between the city’s administrative and residential zones. The completion of this project is expected to substantially ease commuter travel, reduce vehicular emissions from congestion, and set a new standard for intelligent urban design in the region. The project’s holistic approach, addressing mobility, sanitation, and environmental concerns in a single solution, makes it a model for future sustainable development.
This initiative serves the larger interest of society by demonstrating that urban infrastructure can be both functional and transformative. The new road over the Mandiri drain is a powerful symbol of a city committed to building a future where smart, sustainable, and inclusive planning is at the forefront of its growth story.
