Gaya: The Bihar government has announced plans to construct a major riverside road, described as a “Marine Drive”, along the banks of the Phalgu River in Gaya, in a move aimed at easing traffic congestion and boosting tourism in the region.
State minister Dr Dilip Kumar Jaiswal said the proposed road would run between Bodhgaya and Chakand, covering a distance of approximately 16 kilometres. The project draws comparisons with the existing riverside road in Patna, built along the Ganges, which has become a prominent urban landmark.
According to the minister, the new route is expected to significantly reduce traffic congestion in both Gaya and Bodhgaya, areas that regularly experience heavy gridlock, particularly during peak tourist seasons. Visitors, including international travellers, often face long delays when travelling between key destinations in the district.
“The new road will provide a smoother and more scenic journey along the riverbank, reducing travel time and improving accessibility,” Jaiswal said.
The project is also being positioned as a catalyst for tourism development. Officials believe that the riverside corridor will not only improve infrastructure but also create opportunities for recreational and commercial activities along the Phalgu River, potentially generating employment for local residents.
In addition to the urban development initiative, the government has announced upgrades to rural road infrastructure in the area. A one-lane road connecting Imamganj to Pakri via Kothi Salaiya is set to be expanded into a two-lane route. Funding has already been allocated, and work is expected to begin in the near future.
Jaiswal said the combined projects would contribute to a broader transformation of Gaya district, improving connectivity between rural and urban areas while supporting economic growth.
Officials argue that the Marine Drive project marks a significant step towards modernising Gaya’s infrastructure, with the potential to reshape the district’s transport network and enhance its appeal as a tourist destination.
