Patna: Construction of the 9-km, six-lane Kanhauli-Sherpur road is set to begin in October, a project expected to reduce the movement of heavy vehicles through Patna and ease congestion on several major roads in and around the city.
According to National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) officials, the 177 acres of land required for the project have been acquired. The road is estimated to cost around Rs 778 crore and is targeted for completion by 2028.
Direct link to Bihta-Danapur elevated road
A major feature of the Kanhauli-Sherpur corridor will be its direct connection with the Bihta-Danapur elevated road.
The link is expected to improve connectivity to western Patna and make travel easier for commuters travelling to and from Bihta Airport.
The new six-lane road will also provide an alternative route for heavy vehicles travelling between North Bihar, South Bihar and Jharkhand.
Heavy vehicles to bypass Patna
At present, a significant number of heavy vehicles travelling between different parts of Bihar and Jharkhand pass through Patna, adding pressure to the city’s already congested road network.
Once the Kanhauli-Sherpur road becomes operational, such vehicles will be able to use the outer route without entering the city. This is expected to reduce traffic pressure in areas including Danapur, Khagaul, Nehru Path and Saguna Mor.
The diversion of heavy traffic could also reduce travel time and fuel consumption for vehicles using the corridor.
Rural areas expected to benefit
The project is also expected to improve road connectivity in rural areas surrounding Patna, potentially supporting trade, transportation and other economic activities.
NHAI and the agencies involved have intensified preparations for the start of construction, with the project targeted for completion within the stipulated timeline.
Mithapur-Parsa ROB targeted for December
Meanwhile, another major infrastructure project in Patna is nearing completion. The Road Overbridge (ROB) at Level Crossing No. 4 on the Mithapur-Parsa route is expected to be completed by December and subsequently opened to the public.
The railway crossing is located between Patna Junction and Parsa Bazar railway stations and forms part of the Mithapur-Mahuli road project.
According to Road Construction Department Secretary Pankaj Kumar Pal, construction of the ROB is expected to be completed by December this year.
80% of superstructure complete
The project is being executed by Afcons under the supervision of the Bihar State Road Development Corporation Limited (BSRDCL).
The foundation and substructure work has been completed, while around 80% of the superstructure work is also finished.
Permission for a power block has been sought from the Danapur Railway Division to facilitate the final phase of construction. The remaining superstructure and road work will now be accelerated.
Relief for Mithapur, Parsa and Punpun commuters
The ROB is expected to benefit a large number of daily commuters travelling through Mithapur, Parsa Bazar, Mahuli and Punpun, as well as those using the Patna-Gaya route.
By eliminating the need for traffic to wait at the railway crossing, the overbridge is expected to reduce congestion and save commuters both time and fuel.
Once operational, the ROB will improve traffic movement between Patna, Punpun and Gaya and provide a permanent alternative to the congestion frequently seen around the railway level crossing.
