Patna: The landscape along the banks of the Ganga River in Patna is set for a major transformation as authorities move ahead with an ambitious riverfront redevelopment project stretching from Digha to Sabhyata Dwar and Kanganghat.
Following the removal of illegal structures built on unsurveyed land along the riverbank, the Forest Department has now begun fencing the cleared areas under directions issued by District Magistrate Tyagarajan S.M..
Officials said the fencing exercise would help protect the riverfront zone while accelerating future tourism, infrastructure and urban development projects linked to the Ganga corridor.
Encroachments Cleared For Planned Development
According to the district administration, long-standing encroachments — ranging from temporary settlements to permanent structures — had hindered systematic development along the riverbank for years.
With these structures now removed, officials said the area would be developed in a planned and integrated manner.
Authorities believe the initiative will directly strengthen:
- the JP Ganga Path corridor
- riverfront tourism projects
- civic infrastructure
- recreational facilities
Officials said the redevelopment vision aimed to turn the Ganga riverfront into a modern public and cultural space blending tourism, spirituality and urban infrastructure.
Rs 330 Crore Riverfront Project Planned
The approximately seven-kilometre stretch between Digha and Sabhyata Dwar is proposed to be developed as an integrated tourism and recreation hub.
The project, estimated to cost around Rs 330 crore, will transform the existing Marine Drive corridor into a large public urban space.
Planned facilities include:
- green zones
- botanical gardens
- butterfly parks
- open-air gyms
- walking trails
- recreational infrastructure
Officials said the initiative was designed not merely as a road development project but as a broader urban renewal exercise along the Ganga.
New Promenade And Heritage Attractions Planned
A 450-metre pedestrian promenade is also planned between Sabhyata Dwar and Collectorate Ghat.
Authorities said the walkway would benefit:
- morning walkers
- tourists
- Chhath devotees
- visitors to the Ganga Research Centre and museum
Meanwhile, a new park titled Bihar Gaurav Udyan will be developed near Bansghat across nearly 10 acres under a “Waste-to-Wonder” concept.
The park is expected to showcase Bihar’s historical and cultural heritage using scrap iron and recycled materials.
According to officials, the site will feature installations dedicated to:
- Aryabhata
- Chanakya
- Ashoka
- Jayaprakash Narayan
- Dashrath Manjhi
Models of:
- Nalanda University
- Vikramshila
- stupas and historical temples
will also form part of the attraction.
New JP Memorial Planned In Dujra
The administration is also preparing to construct a new memorial dedicated to Jayaprakash Narayan in the Dujra area near the memorial of Rajendra Prasad.
Officials said around 1.75 acres had been earmarked for the project.
District authorities recently reviewed progress at:
- Bansghat
- Sabhyata Dwar
- Collectorate Ghat
- JP Ganga Path
and directed officials to maintain quality standards and adhere to construction timelines.
The administration said the combined riverfront projects were expected to boost:
- tourism
- employment
- business opportunities
- public infrastructure
while reshaping Patna’s identity as a major urban and cultural destination along the Ganga.
