Patna: The Road Construction Department (RCD) has launched a Rs 39.80 crore project to widen Nehru Path, commonly known as Bailey Road, between Dak Bungalow Crossing and Rukanpura, in an effort to ease congestion on one of Patna’s busiest arterial roads.
The work will be executed by the department’s Nutan Rajdhani Road Division and is scheduled to be completed within nine months, including the monsoon season. Tenders for the project have already been issued.
The widening is being undertaken as extensive metro construction along Nehru Path has occupied a substantial portion of the existing carriageway, putting additional pressure on traffic movement.
Additional Lanes Planned
According to Executive Engineer Abhishek Kumar, the existing width of Nehru Path varies from about 20 metres to 40-45 metres, depending on the location.
Under the widening plan, an additional lane measuring at least 3 to 3.5 metres will be created on both sides wherever government land is available.
The department said the work will not involve the demolition of government or private buildings. Instead, additional road space will be created by setting back boundary walls where required.
Government Properties In Widening Plan
Proposals are being considered to shift the boundary walls of government properties, including Kotwali police station and Maurya Lok Complex, to create additional road space.
However, the widening will not extend into raiyati or privately owned land.
A proposal had also been considered for widening the road near Niyojan Bhawan. However, ongoing metro construction in that area means work there will be limited to whatever space is currently available.
Further action on the widening plan will begin after the department gives final approval.
The project is expected to improve traffic movement along Nehru Path, where daily commuters are currently facing increased congestion because of ongoing metro construction.
