Patna: Patna District Magistrate Dr Thiyagarajan S.M. on Saturday carried out an on-ground inspection of key drainage corridors — Serpentine Nala, Rajiv Nagar Nala, and Anandpuri Nala — as part of the implementation of major urban infrastructure projects announced by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar during his Pragati Yatra on February 21. The schemes, valued at over Rs 10,871 crore, aim to ease traffic congestion, improve sanitation, and beautify core areas of Patna city.
Dr Thiyagarajan, accompanied by Deputy Development Commissioner Sameer Saurabh and senior officials from the Road Construction Department, Urban Development and Housing Department, and other implementing agencies, reviewed progress and issued directives for time-bound execution.
The CM’s announcements during the yatra included 32 major development schemes for Patna, which were promptly approved by the state government. Among them are three key urban mobility and sanitation projects — the paving and road construction over Rajiv Nagar and Anandpuri drains, and the development of a four-lane road with an underground drain over the Serpentine Nala.
Key Drain Projects and Their Impact
The DM stated that BUIDCO (Bihar Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation) is executing the Rs 181 crore Rajiv Nagar project, which involves paving a 4.26 km drain route from DPS Rajiv Nagar to Kurji via Shakuntala Market and Atal Path. The corridor, once complete, will provide relief to residents of Rajiv Nagar, Mahesh Nagar, Indrapuri and Patel Nagar by reducing waterlogging and easing local traffic jams.
Similarly, the Rs 91 crore Anandpuri Nala project, also under BUIDCO, involves a 4.05 km stretch from Baba Chowk to Rajapur Bridge via AN College. This project is expected to directly benefit over four lakh residents across Shivpuri, Shrikrishnapuri, Anandpuri, Rajapur and Nehru Nagar.
The DM also reviewed the Rs 197 crore Serpentine Nala corridor — a four-lane road project with an underground drain that stretches from Patel Golambar to Atal Path. The project, being implemented by the Bihar State Road Development Corporation, includes development along both flanks of Rajdhani Vatika (Eco Park), aiming to improve access to the Secretariat, airport, and key city spaces while enhancing the area’s aesthetic appeal.
Additionally, the Road Construction Department is linking the Mandiri drain corridor to the JP Ganga Path via a Rs 52.28 crore project. Once completed, this road will provide seamless connectivity between Nehru Path and the riverfront expressway, improving access to hospitals like PMCH and AIIMS.
Monitoring and Monsoon Preparedness
Dr Thiyagarajan stressed that these schemes are being fast-tracked and are under regular review. The Deputy Development Commissioner has been tasked with close monitoring, while the DM himself is conducting field inspections.
Acknowledging the looming monsoon season, the DM directed officials to ensure that all drainage corridors remain free of encroachment and facilitate uninterrupted water flow. He also instructed regular cleaning of drains to prevent waterlogging in urban areas.
“These infrastructure works are critical to the long-term development of Patna. We are determined to ensure they are completed on time, with strong monitoring mechanisms in place,” said Dr Thiyagarajan.
