Patna: Patna is set for a major infrastructure upgrade as authorities prepare plans for a 13.14-km six-lane elevated corridor from Anisabad to Didarganj on the New Bypass.
The proposed project is estimated to cost around Rs 8,456 crore and is aimed at easing traffic congestion caused by increasing vehicle movement and heavy vehicles in southern Patna.
Under the plan, the existing four-lane road will continue to cater to local traffic, while a six-lane elevated road will be constructed above it. The arrangement is expected to separate local and long-distance traffic and improve overall traffic flow.
Nearly 10 Lakh Residents Expected to Benefit
The proposed project is expected to benefit nearly 10 lakh people living across around 150 localities in southern Patna.
Areas such as Anisabad, Saristabad, 90 Feet, Purana Bus Stand, Ashok Nagar, Bhootnath, Pahari, Karmalichak, Guru Gobind Singh Link Road and Didarganj frequently face traffic congestion due to the movement of trucks and other heavy vehicles.
A separate elevated route for heavy and through traffic is expected to reduce pressure at several major junctions along the New Bypass.
Heavy Vehicles to Use Elevated Road, Local Traffic Below
One of the key features of the project will be traffic segregation.
Heavy and long-distance vehicles will be able to use the six-lane elevated road, while local vehicles will continue to travel on the existing road and service roads.
The proposed system is expected to reduce unnecessary stops for heavy vehicles while making local movement and road crossings easier for residents.
22 Km of Service Roads and 10 Ramps Planned
The project will include 22 km of service roads on both sides of the corridor.
Plans also include 10 ramps and two flyovers, along with three minor bridges and four underpasses to improve connectivity and reduce traffic bottlenecks.
An eight-lane Road Over Bridge (ROB) is also proposed over the Patna-Gaya railway line.
Modern Drainage System to Address Waterlogging
The project will also focus on Patna’s recurring waterlogging problem.
A modern drainage system spanning more than five kilometres is proposed along the corridor. It is expected to help improve water drainage and reduce water accumulation on roads during heavy rainfall.
The project is therefore being planned as more than a traffic solution, with drainage and other infrastructure improvements also included.
Potential to Reduce Pressure on Major Bridges
The proposed corridor could also improve the movement of heavy vehicles travelling between southern and northern Bihar.
After the Kachchi Dargah-Bidupur six-lane bridge becomes operational, heavy vehicles carrying sand and other goods could get an additional route towards north Bihar.
Better distribution of heavy traffic could help reduce pressure on major bridges such as Gandhi Setu and Ara-Chhapra Bridge and improve freight movement towards districts including Vaishali, Muzaffarpur, Samastipur, Begusarai and Darbhanga.
Plan Designed for Greater Patna’s Future Traffic Needs
Bihar Road Construction Minister Er. Kumar Shailendra said the project is being planned not merely as an elevated road but with the future traffic requirements of Greater Patna in mind.
The next step will be the preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR). The report will cover the technical design, construction requirements, estimated cost and other aspects of the project.
If implemented as proposed, the Anisabad-Didarganj corridor could significantly change traffic movement in southern Patna by providing a dedicated route for heavy vehicles while easing congestion for local commuters.
