Patna: Patna’s transformation from a historic river city into a modern transport hub is set to gather pace with plans for a new Ganga Path along the northern bank of Ganga, a project the Bihar government sees as a long-term answer to congestion and urban sprawl.
The proposed corridor, stretching about 46km from Dighwara to Bidupur via Parmanandpur and Sonpur, will run parallel to the river and mirror the marine drive already operating on the southern bank. A detailed project report is currently being prepared to determine which sections will be elevated and which will follow the existing embankment.
Officials say the northern Ganga Path will provide fast, direct connectivity between Patna and large parts of North Bihar, reducing dependence on crowded city roads and bridges. The route is expected to significantly cut travel time between the capital and districts such as Saran and Vaishali.
On the southern bank, the impact of the Ganga Path is already visible. The 20.5km stretch from JP Setu to Kacchi Dargah, built at a cost of about Rs 3,831 crore, has eased pressure on Patna’s arterial roads. A journey that once took hours across the city now takes around 15 minutes.
That corridor is itself being extended. Work has been planned on a 36km stretch from Digha Setu to Koilwar Bridge via Sherpur, a project estimated at Rs 6,496 crore and scheduled for completion by 2030. Contracts have already been awarded. In addition, a six-lane bridge between Sherpur and Dighwara, projected to cost around Rs 3,012 crore, is also on the drawing board.
Together, the projects are designed to create a ring-road-like network anchored by four major bridges: JP Setu, Digha Setu, Mahatma Gandhi Setu and the Kacchi Dargah–Bidupur bridge. Once integrated, these links are expected to shorten distances between Patna, Saran and Vaishali and strengthen connectivity between North and South Bihar.
Road construction minister Dilip Jaiswal said the dual-bank marine drive would accelerate Patna’s outward growth and reshape commuting patterns. “Areas such as Sonpur, Hajipur, Sheetalpur, Dighwara and Bidupur will be just minutes away from Patna,” he said, adding that improved access would also benefit travellers from Ara, Siwan, Gopalganj, Muzaffarpur and Samastipur.
Officials believe the expanded Ganga Path network will unlock new opportunities in tourism, real estate and employment, reinforcing Patna’s role as a regional growth centre while easing the daily strain on its roads.
