Patna: Patna is set to get a dedicated riverside picnic zone along the JP Ganga Path, stretching from LCT Ghat to Gandhi Maidan, with plans to build it in three segments over more than 1,500 meters and integrate walking and cycling-friendly pathways for public recreation. The project has received technical sanction with an estimated outlay of Rs11.99 crore and is targeted for completion by the end of 2026, officials said, adding that work will begin once formal approval is issued.
According to the plan, the first segment will be developed on the northern side of JP Ganga Path—from in front of LCT Ghat up to the western end of the L&T site—at a projected cost of Rs4.20 crore. The second segment will cover the area opposite the L&T project site and inside the site itself, with development estimated at Rs4.92 crore. The third segment will run from the eastern edge of the L&T site up to Gandhi Maidan, budgeted at Rs2.85 crore.
The riverside zone will feature landscaped green stretches, continuous pathways, and curated visual elements to enhance the waterfront experience, enabling residents to walk from Gandhi Maidan to LCT Ghat in a shaded, traffic-free environment. The pathways are proposed to be dual-use—accessible for morning and evening walks as well as for cycling—supported by grill fencing for safety and controlled access.
Officials said the initiative aims to formalize Patna’s first designated “picnic area” within the city limits, turning a high-traffic corridor of JP Ganga Path into a leisure and tourism asset for families and visitors. It builds on work already executed under Patna Smart City—where a park and pathway have been completed over a 1,000-meter stretch from Digha Rotary to LCT Ghat—and complements ongoing beautification, lighting, and greening efforts along the city’s “Marine Drive.”
Once completed, the picnic corridor is expected to draw more footfall to the Ganga waterfront, diversify recreation options beyond malls and parks, and create a safer, continuous public realm that encourages outdoor activity, including cycling. The plan was prepared by the Patna Park Division at the request of the Municipal Commissioner, with execution to proceed after final administrative approval.
