Patna: Bihar chief minister, Nitish Kumar, on Monday inspected the ongoing construction of the Saidpur underground drain and the proposed four-lane road over it, directing officials to expedite the work and ensure comprehensive renovation of the drainage system.
During the inspection, Patna divisional commissioner Animesh Parasar and district magistrate Dr Thiyagarajan S.M. briefed the chief minister on the progress of the project.
The chief minister said he had visited the site several times earlier and described the project as significant for the city’s infrastructure. He instructed officials to accelerate the construction of the four-lane road over the drain, stating that its completion would ease traffic congestion in Saidpur, Rajendra Nagar, Musallahpur Haat, Gaighat and adjoining hilly areas. The new corridor is also expected to provide an alternative route connecting residents to the New Patna Bypass.
Officials said water from nine drainage pumping stations and one sewage treatment plant (STP) in Patna currently flows through the 5.61km-long Saidpur Nala. The Bihar Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (BUIDCO), under the urban development department, is constructing a road along the underground drain up to the hill section at a cost of Rs 259.81 crore.
CM Nitish later inspected the Bakarganj underground drain and associated road construction works, asking officials to ensure timely and efficient completion. He said the project would help improve drainage and reduce waterlogging in the area, while the road built over the drain would ease local traffic movement.
The Bakarganj Nala, a major drainage channel in the inner city, originates near Uma Cinema Hall and flows towards the Ganges at Anta Ghat, passing through dense residential neighbourhoods and markets. It plays a critical role in rainwater discharge during the monsoon. Under the project, a road approximately 1.4km long is being constructed over the drain to strengthen both traffic connectivity and stormwater management.
Among those present during the inspection were the chief minister’s principal secretary Deepak Kumar; secretaries Kumar Ravi and Dr Chandrashekhar Singh; senior superintendent of police Kartikeya K. Sharma; and other senior officials.
