By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: The construction of Patna’s Mandiri drain is set to gain pace after the Diwali and Chhath holidays, with workers returning to resume the project with renewed momentum. Initially launched post-Dussehra, the drain construction had slowed due to the festive season, including Dhanteras, Diwali, and Chhath. With labourers back on site, work on the unfinished sections will proceed at an accelerated pace.
Construction has resumed on areas where the drain wall work had been paused since the monsoon in July. Now, an additional section of the drain wall will be built and covered with concrete, with operations running simultaneously at two sites along the Mandiri drain. This dual-site approach is expected to speed up progress, aiming to complete the covering and road construction by mid-February, with the road opening projected for March.
In areas where drain coverage has been finalised, construction of the main road, service road, and service drainage is anticipated to start by the end of the month. The work will extend from the Kali Mandir end, with Smart City Limited planning to utilise pumps from BUIDCO for efficient water removal, enabling dewatering and further construction at this section.
The Mandiri Nala stretches from Income Tax Golambar to Bansghat Kali Mandir via Cheena Kothi, with a 1,289-metre road to be constructed over the covered drain. The road will span approximately 20 metres in width, with an 11.5-metre-wide main road flanked by 3.5-metre service lanes on each side, and a 0.75-metre-wide service drain. The project, costing Rs 87 crore, began civil works in November-December after re-tendering in September last year, with approximately 30% completed to date and 70% remaining.
Municipal Commissioner Animesh Kumar Parashar said that to expedite the Mandiri drain project, construction will soon resume at two sites. In completed sections, work on the main road, service lanes, and service drainage will also begin promptly. Efforts are being made to achieve completion by mid-February.
