Patna: Patna’s famous riverside stretch, Marine Drive (JP Ganga Path), is set for a major change as the Municipal Corporation works on a new organised vending zone for street vendors. The aim is to remove the current chaos of stalls along the busy road and shift nearly 250 vendors into a planned space. Officials say the new system will make the area cleaner, safer and easier to move through for both locals and tourists.
The new vending zone is being developed near the Digha Roundabout area, where construction work has already started. The Danapur Circle Office has given permission for the project, clearing the way for roads, drainage systems and basic infrastructure. Authorities are working to complete the first phase by May 15, when vendors are expected to be shifted into the newly prepared space.
The project will cost around Rs 2.96 crore in total. Out of this, a large part will be used for building concrete roads and laying paver blocks, while the rest will go into drainage systems, lighting and other facilities. Work on filling and preparing the land, spread across nearly 55,000 square feet, has been going on since February to ready the site for construction.
Officials have also planned basic amenities for vendors and visitors. These will include drinking water facilities, toilets, parking space and resting areas. A foot overbridge is also being planned to connect the vending zone with Marine Drive and the banks of the Ganga, making movement easier for pedestrians.
In the long term, the civic body wants to develop the area further with parks, entertainment spaces and better parking arrangements. The project is expected to not only give street vendors a permanent and organised place to work but also reduce traffic problems and improve the overall look of the Marine Drive area.
