Patna: The Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) has proposed developing vacant and underutilised spaces across the city into green and recreational public areas, with a focus on improving pedestrian infrastructure, cycling facilities and organised vending spaces.
The proposed Urban Green and Recreational Infrastructure project covers three key locations — the Patel Golambar-Airport-Sheikhpura Morh corridor, Gandhi Maidan and its outer periphery, and the area beneath the Meethapur-Karbigahia flyover.
The plan envisages increasing greenery through plantation and landscaping while creating better public spaces with footpaths, cycle tracks, seating areas and improved lighting. Designated vending zones and kiosks are also proposed to help regulate roadside businesses.
Patel Golambar-Sheikhpura Morh corridor to get green makeover
The first proposed site is the road connecting Patel Golambar to Sheikhpura Morh via the airport. The civic body plans to develop organised footpaths and dedicated cycle tracks along the corridor, while increasing greenery along roadsides and medians.
Tactile pathways have also been proposed on footpaths to make movement easier for visually impaired pedestrians.
The plan includes attractive street lighting, rows of plants and decorative planters along the route. Walls would also feature artwork depicting Bihar’s art and culture, giving the important airport-city entry corridor a more visually appealing and organised appearance.
Gandhi Maidan perimeter to be developed as public space
The second major component of the proposal focuses on Gandhi Maidan and its outer perimeter, including areas around its gates.
The plan proposes wider footpaths, landscaping, seating spaces, street lighting and organised vending kiosks. Vendors selling tea, snacks, fruits and other goods would be provided kiosks based on a uniform design.
According to the proposal, designated vending spaces could provide vendors with fixed locations while reducing unorganised roadside encroachments.
An organised space for auto-rickshaws near the Gandhi Maidan gates has also been proposed.
For better waste management, separate dustbins would be installed at designated locations. Benches, landscaped areas and adequate lighting are expected to make the surroundings more comfortable for pedestrians and visitors.
Inner Gandhi Maidan perimeter to get more greenery
The PMC also plans to improve the inner perimeter of Gandhi Maidan by organising pedestrian pathways, increasing greenery and creating additional seating areas.
Dedicated cycle tracks have been proposed at some stretches. Open spaces around the ground would be redesigned not merely as passageways but as areas suitable for walking, sitting and cycling.
The objective is to turn the surroundings of Gandhi Maidan into a more usable and accessible public space.
Flyover space between Meethapur and Karbigahia to be revamped
The third proposed location is the space beneath the Meethapur-Karbigahia flyover.
The area available between the flyover pillars would be developed with greenery, pedestrian pathways and seating facilities. Improved lighting is also part of the proposal.
Small landscaped areas featuring plants are planned, along with tactile pathways for pedestrians and separate dustbins for waste disposal.
The proposed interventions are aimed at transforming the currently underutilised space beneath the flyover into a cleaner, greener and more functional public area.
Three locations identified for urban green infrastructure
The PMC’s proposal covers:
- Patel Golambar-Airport-Sheikhpura Morh corridor
- Gandhi Maidan and its outer and inner periphery
- Area beneath the Meethapur-Karbigahia flyover
The civic body is working towards implementing the proposal, which is aimed at combining urban greenery, pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, cycling facilities and organised vending at key public locations in Patna.
