Patna: Construction of the access ramp connecting Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) to Bihar’s first double-decker elevated flyover on Ashok Rajpath has been completed, marking a significant step towards improving access to the state’s largest government hospital.
The ramp, however, has not yet been opened for public use. It has been temporarily blocked with bricks while authorities await the completion of three multi-level parking facilities that will integrate the hospital with the flyover.
Opening Linked to Parking Infrastructure
According to sources associated with the Bihar Medical Services and Infrastructure Corporation Limited (BMSICL), the first parking facility, with a capacity for around 80 vehicles near the Central Utility Block, is expected to be completed by September.
Construction is also progressing on a larger multi-level parking structure capable of accommodating more than 700 vehicles. Once all three parking facilities are operational, they will be directly connected to the flyover through the newly constructed ramp.
PMCH Superintendent Rajiv Kumar Singh said he had not received any official communication regarding the timeline for opening the ramp to patients and ambulance services.
Direct Access to Hospital
Under the project plan, vehicles travelling on the double-decker flyover will be able to enter the PMCH campus directly through the ramp and proceed into the hospital’s multi-level parking facilities.
The arrangement is expected to benefit commuters approaching from both Gandhi Maidan and Patna City by allowing them to bypass congestion on Ashok Rajpath before reaching the hospital.
The connecting ramp measures approximately 75 to 100 metres and is expected to improve emergency access, particularly for ambulances transporting critically ill patients.
Flyover Designed to Ease Traffic
The double-decker flyover, extending from Kargil Chowk to Science College, has been constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 422 crore.
The upper deck is designated for vehicles travelling from Gandhi Maidan towards Science College, while the lower deck serves traffic moving from Patna College towards Gandhi Maidan.
Construction of all access routes for both levels has also been completed, including two access points on the first level and three on the second.
Project Timeline
In January, then Divisional Commissioner Animesh Kumar Parashar had set a target of connecting PMCH to the flyover by March.
While the ramp construction has now been completed, its operational launch depends on the completion of the integrated parking infrastructure.
Expected Benefits
Once commissioned, the new access system is expected to significantly improve connectivity to PMCH and ease traffic around the hospital.
Key benefits include:
- Direct access from the flyover to PMCH’s parking facilities.
- Reduced travel time for patients arriving from Gandhi Maidan and Patna City.
- Faster movement of ambulances and emergency vehicles.
- Less congestion on Ashok Rajpath and within the hospital campus.
- Improved access for elderly, critically ill and emergency patients.
- Better traffic management around one of Bihar’s busiest healthcare institutions.
