Patna: Patna is set to undergo an extensive urban makeover, with authorities promising a cleaner, greener and more visually striking capital as part of a multi-crore redevelopment plan led by the state government and municipal agencies.
The initiative aims to reshape the first impressions of the city for visitors arriving at Patna Junction or departing via the airport, with a continuous stretch between the two being redesigned through improved lighting, landscaping and modern infrastructure. Officials say the plan is intended to project Patna as an emerging “global city”.
A significant portion of the funding has been allocated to upgrading public spaces and transport-linked areas. The zone surrounding Patna Junction, often associated with congestion and unregulated commercial activity, is being redeveloped into a multi-modal hub. The stretch from the General Post Office (GPO) to the station roundabout is undergoing structural and aesthetic improvements, including the removal of encroachments.
The New Market area is also being redesigned, with plans for a multi-storey commercial complex featuring organised retail spaces, a restaurant and a small public park. A triangular park opposite the station is being developed as a designated “selfie point”, aimed at enhancing the city’s visual appeal for visitors.
City officials have also outlined plans to install fountains across major intersections, part of a broader attempt to rebrand Patna as a “fountain city”. According to municipal authorities, approximately Rs 25 crore has been earmarked for street lighting upgrades alone, including the introduction of automated and smart lighting systems intended to improve visibility and energy efficiency.
Alongside these efforts, a citywide greening campaign is under way, focusing on increasing tree cover from the Ganga riverfront to inner neighbourhoods. The plan also includes the restoration of ponds and the enhancement of public water bodies as part of the city’s environmental infrastructure.
Authorities say public participation will be encouraged in maintaining cleanliness and supporting the greening initiative. While the timeline for completion remains unclear, the project represents one of the most ambitious attempts in recent years to overhaul the capital’s urban landscape and civic identity.
