By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: With the rising number of vehicles and increased speeds on the main roads of Patna, the capital of Bihar, pedestrians are facing significant challenges in safely crossing the roads. This has heightened the risk of accidents. In response, the state government has initiated plans for the construction of foot over bridges (FOBs) at seven new locations across the city. Additionally, lifts will be installed on three existing FOBs. These projects are estimated to cost around Rs 20 crore.
The responsibility for these developments has been assigned to the Road Construction Department, which has already issued tenders for the construction of FOBs near Taramandal, Patna Zoo, Punaichak turn on Bailey Road, Bhootnath Road turn in Kankarbagh, and Saint Karen’s School in Danapur. A sum of Rs 15.72 crore will be allocated to these projects.
Once work is allocated, the goal is to complete the construction of all the new FOBs within four months. Simultaneously, the installation of lifts on the existing FOBs at Patna Women’s College, Rajendra Nagar, and Atal Path has also commenced, with an estimated cost of Rs 2.24 crore. The target for completing this installation is three months.
Furthermore, the Road Construction Department has decided to install double metal beam crash barriers along the drain side of Ashiana-Patliputra Road, at a projected cost of Rs 1.10 crore. These safety barriers are designed to prevent vehicles from veering off the road or crashing into roadside hazards. They are shock-absorbing, easy to install, and maintain, and they provide additional guidance for drivers in poor weather conditions or at night.
