Patna: The ambitious JP Ganga Path project, often dubbed Patna’s Marine Drive, is set for a significant east-west expansion, with plans to extend the corridor from Mokama in the east to Koilwar in the west. The Bihar government has begun preparations for this next phase, aimed at improving connectivity and easing traffic congestion in and around the capital.
A 35.5km stretch from Digha to Koilwar bridge will be developed at an estimated cost of Rs 5,676.88 crore, for which Bihar State Road Development Corporation Limited (BSRDCL) has floated a tender to select a construction agency. The project is expected to be completed within four years.
Once complete, the corridor will facilitate smoother access to the Purvanchal Expressway and districts such as Ara, Chapra, Gopalganj, and Buxar, as well as destinations in eastern Uttar Pradesh. It is also expected to significantly reduce traffic pressure on Patna’s internal roads.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had announced the extension during his Pragati Yatra. The first phase of JP Ganga Path — a 20.5km stretch from Digha to Didarganj — has already been completed and is operational.
According to project details, 17km of the new Digha-Koilwar stretch will be elevated, while 18.5km will be constructed on the embankment of the Water Resources Department. The Digha to Sherpur portion spans 12.5km and will feature a bridge over the Ganga river. The Sherpur to Koilwar bridge segment is 23km, with a mix of elevated and embankment-based construction.
Additional infrastructure includes a four-lane elevated underpass at Chitnawan, a toll gate, two footpaths of 1.5km each, two 14-metre carriageways, and cross barriers. The road will also see future expansion in two sections: 42km from Didarganj to Athmalgola and 42.5km from Athmalgola to Mokama. A flyover is planned for Fatuha Bazaar and a bypass in Bakhtiyarpur.
Connectivity will be enhanced through links with JP Setu, the under-construction six-lane bridge parallel to it, Patil Path, Ashok Rajpath, and Atal Path. The corridor will also connect with the Sherpur-Dighwara bridge, the old NH-30, Bihta-Sarmera road, Bihta Airport, and Koilwar Bridge.
Once fully integrated, the JP Ganga Path will become a major arterial route linking North and South Bihar. Districts such as Bhojpur, Chapra, Vaishali, Samastipur and Begusarai will also benefit from improved road infrastructure and access.
