Patna: A new 42-kilometre Ganga Path project, poised to transform connectivity and urban development in Bihar’s Munger and Bhagalpur districts, has been greenlit by the Nitish Kumar-led state cabinet. The elevated four-lane road, designed to function as a Marine Drive-style corridor along the banks of the Ganga, will stretch from Safiabad in Munger to Sultanganj, passing through Bariyarpur and Ghorghat.
The project, estimated at Rs 5,129.80 crore, will be executed under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM), a public-private partnership framework combining elements of the EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) and BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) models. Under this scheme, the government will fund 40% of the cost upfront, while private developers will invest the remaining 60%.
Announcing the decision, Bihar’s Road Construction Department Secretary, Sandeep Kumar R Pudkalkatti, said the project aims to address worsening traffic congestion in the urban stretches of Munger and Bhagalpur by offering an alternative high-speed route. As an elevated corridor, it promises smoother traffic flow, reduced travel time, and improved road safety by separating pedestrian and vehicular movement.
Beyond transport infrastructure, the Ganga Path is expected to emerge as a vibrant public space. Officials say the riverfront will offer panoramic views of the Ganga, particularly during sunrise and sunset, and will be developed with pedestrian walkways, recreational zones, cafes, restaurants, and shopping areas. The state government hopes this will create employment opportunities and foster local economic growth.
The project is also anticipated to boost tourism and revitalise over a dozen significant Ganga ghats in the district, including Hemjapur, Shivkund, Farda, Soji Ghat, and Kashtharani Ghat. By enhancing access and footfall, these heritage and spiritual sites may see renewed cultural and economic relevance.
