Patna: Construction work on the flyover near Mithapur Vegetable Market in Patna has gathered pace, with the Bihar Rajya Pul Nirman Nigam (BRPNNL) aiming to complete the project by June and reopen it for vehicular traffic in July.
Officials said the project, which had faced repeated delays due to drainage-related complications, has now moved into an accelerated phase after the damaged drainage system beneath the flyover was repaired.
Drainage Dispute Had Delayed Project
The pace of construction had slowed considerably in recent months after both the Municipal Corporation and Bihar Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation (BUIDCo) reportedly declined responsibility for repairing an old drainage channel that had damaged part of the structure.
The Bridge Corporation later took over the work and repaired the damaged drain within a month by replacing pipes and reconnecting the system to the sump house.
Officials described the drainage problem as one of the biggest obstacles delaying reconstruction of the flyover.
The corporation is currently rebuilding a 200-metre damaged stretch of the structure from scratch.
Traffic Relief Expected For Mithapur Area
The flyover suffered damage during last year’s monsoon season and has remained closed to vehicular movement since then.
Authorities said reopening the flyover would significantly reduce congestion around the Mithapur Vegetable Market area, which currently witnesses severe traffic jams during morning and evening peak hours.
Truck movement through the locality has further worsened congestion following the closure of the bridge.
Once operational, commuters will again be able to travel via the Mithapur flyover towards Gardanibagh through the market corridor.
Drain Repair Reduces Waterlogging
Residents of Mithapur and Gardanibagh have also reported relief from waterlogging after the drainage repair work was completed.
Officials said surface water from the Mithapur area drains through the channel into the sump house, but the damaged system had earlier caused overflow and stagnation across nearby localities.
Following repairs, water is now reportedly flowing directly into the sump house without obstruction.
Residents Frustrated Over Delays
Despite the renewed pace of work, many local residents and shopkeepers expressed frustration over prolonged construction delays and disruption to daily life.
Traders said business activity in the market had suffered heavily over the past six months due to restricted access and poor road conditions.
Locals warned that failure to complete the project before the onset of the monsoon could create fresh complications.
Shopkeepers also complained that loose soil and damaged pathways near storefronts had created hazardous conditions for customers, particularly after rainfall.
Many said they hoped the market would regain its normal activity once the flyover becomes operational again.
