By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: In a significant infrastructure development, the Railway Board has approved the construction of a four-lane road connecting JP Ganga Path to Patna Sahib Railway Station. The road will be built on 18.54 acres of land, including the now-defunct railway track, and is expected to improve connectivity in the area. Proposed by the Bihar government in 2019, the project has finally received the green light with certain conditions.
Additionally, the Railway Board has approved the transfer of 14.38 acres of railway land in Khagaul to the Bihar government for the Bihta-Danapur elevated road. In exchange, the state government will provide 4.80 acres of Veer Kunwar Singh Harding Park land near Patna Junction and pay ₹98.24 crore to the railway.
Project Details
- Four-Lane Road:
The modern four-lane road will stretch from Patna Sahib Railway Station to JP Ganga Path, passing over Ashok Rajpath in Patna City. This road will provide non-stop connectivity for passengers to Kangan Ghat, Didarganj, Gai Ghat, and Digha JP Setu. - Six-Lane and Flyover:
The plan includes a six-lane road from Ganga Path to Patna Ghat, while a two-lane flyover will be constructed near Ashok Rajpath crossing. - Construction Details:
The Bihar State Path Vikas Nigam will construct the road at an estimated cost of ₹57 crore. - Land Exchange and Funding:
- The Railway Board approved the exchange of 18.54 acres of railway land between Patna Ghat and Patna Sahib Railway Station for 4.80 acres of Veer Kunwar Singh Harding Park land.
- ₹98.24 crore will be paid by the Bihar government for the Khagaul land required for the Bihta-Danapur elevated road.
- Repurposing Defunct Railway Line:
- The road will utilise the old railway line from Patna Sahib to Patna Ghat, where train operations ceased long ago.
- A similar approach was successfully employed for the Atal Path, constructed on the Digha-R Block railway line.
Historical Context
This project was initially planned to coincide with the 350th Prakash Parv of Guru Gobind Singh in 2017. However, delays occurred due to the lack of railway permissions. The approval in 2019 for land exchange by the Railway Board paved the way for the project, but final approval from the Railway Ministry has only recently been granted.
Significance of the Project
Once completed, the four-lane road will ease traffic congestion and provide a direct, uninterrupted route for passengers travelling between key locations. By repurposing defunct railway lines for modern infrastructure, this project represents a significant step towards urban development and enhanced connectivity in Patna.
Passengers visiting Patna Sahib Railway Station and nearby destinations will benefit immensely from this modern roadway, which is expected to bolster regional accessibility and economic activity.
