Patna: Soil testing has begun for the proposed expansion of Patna’s Marine Drive along the Ganges, marking the first technical step in a project that aims to extend the riverside road over a 40km stretch from Digha to Koilwar.
Engineers and technical experts on Thursday started collecting samples from multiple points between Digha and Koilwar to assess ground conditions for construction. The expansion, planned along the banks of the Ganges in Patna, is expected to improve connectivity between the state capital and western parts of Bihar.
Officials overseeing the process said modern equipment is being used to examine the soil’s strength, composition and load-bearing capacity. The findings will determine the road’s structural design and the technology adopted for construction, with a focus on ensuring the durability and safety of the proposed carriageway.
Satyam Pathak, who is supervising the soil investigation, described the exercise as critical to the project’s viability. He said the final construction blueprint would be prepared only after the technical report is submitted, adding that compliance with environmental standards along the Ganges riverfront remains a key consideration.
The proposed expansion runs along the river from Digha in Patna to Koilwar, near the border of Bhojpur district. Local residents have welcomed the move, saying it could ease traffic congestion within the city and provide an alternative corridor for commuters travelling towards western Bihar.
Beyond traffic management, authorities expect the extended Marine Drive to enhance the riverfront’s aesthetic appeal and potentially boost tourism. Administrative sources indicated that the next phase of work will begin once the soil testing report is reviewed and approved.
The project is being viewed as a significant component of Patna’s broader infrastructure push, aimed at modernising urban transport while reshaping the city’s riverfront.
