Patna: Road excavation and infrastructure work continue across several parts of Patna despite restrictions imposed ahead of the monsoon, leading to growing concerns over public safety and traffic disruption.
At Baba Chowk near Shubham Market, a recently constructed PCC road is currently being dug up for a water supply project. Workers at the site said an 1,800-metre pipeline is being laid and the work is expected to continue for another 18 to 20 days. Once completed, the project is expected to provide water connections to around 200 households.
The excavation is continuing even though authorities had halted road-cutting work after May 31 due to the onset of the monsoon. Agencies were later granted an additional week, while June 15 was fixed as the deadline for restoring affected roads.
Given the pace of work at several locations, meeting the restoration deadline appears unlikely. District Magistrate Dr Thiyagarajan SM said he would look into the matter.
Open Pits and Exposed Rebars Increase Risks
Residents in several neighbourhoods are facing difficulties due to unfinished civic projects.
In Patel Nagar, road excavation carried out for drain construction has been left incomplete, with pits remaining open. Rainwater has accumulated in the excavated sections, while exposed iron rebars protruding from the concrete pose a potential hazard to pedestrians and motorists.
A similar situation exists in Indrapuri, where roads have not been restored despite the completion of construction work. In Rajiv Nagar, excavation for sewer pipeline installation is ongoing, while roads inside residential colonies remain dug up.
Barricades placed along these stretches have narrowed road space, resulting in daily traffic congestion and inconvenience for residents.
Atal Path Service Lane Yet to Be Restored
Under the Namami Gange project, BUIDCO completed the installation of a 1,200-mm diameter rising main pipeline along the Atal Path service lane by May 30.
According to officials, funds for road restoration were transferred to the Bihar State Road Development Corporation Limited (BSRDCL) on June 4 in anticipation of the monsoon season. However, repair work on the service lane has not yet been completed.
As a result, rainfall has turned parts of the stretch muddy and slippery. Soil dumped during the construction process also remains uneven in several locations.
Bakarganj Drain Project Faces Further Delays
The Bakarganj drain project near Gandhi Maidan remains incomplete more than three years after work began.
The Patna Smart City project, estimated at Rs 26.98 crore, was originally scheduled for completion by December 2023. However, officials estimate that around 35 to 40 per cent of the work is still pending.
The 1,463-metre drain extends from Uma Cinema to the Anta Ghat sump. Construction of the box drain and adjoining road remains incomplete along a stretch of nearly 200 metres.
Officials have cited narrow lanes and encroachments as major obstacles, preventing the use of heavy machinery and slowing progress. The drain is designed to serve densely populated areas including Gandhi Maidan, Rajendra Path and Daldali Road.
Rajiv Nagar Drain Work Resumes After Slowdown
Construction of the 4.26-kilometre Rajiv Nagar drain, linking Digha-Ashiana Road to the Kurji Drainage Pumping Station, is underway at an estimated cost of Rs 180.99 crore.
The project, which is targeted for completion by July 2027, experienced a slowdown last month but resumed after workers returned following Bakrid.
The drain is intended to carry wastewater from Rajiv Nagar, Keshri Nagar, AG Colony and the Patliputra Industrial Area. So far, concrete lining has been completed for around 600 metres in one section and 500 metres in another.
Anandpuri Drain Progress Better Than Other Projects
Among the major drainage projects currently under construction, the Anandpuri drain has recorded relatively better progress.
The 4.02-kilometre drain, stretching from Baba Chowk to the Rajapur Pul Pumping Station, received administrative approval in March 2025 at an estimated cost of Rs 91.27 crore. The project is scheduled for completion by July 2027.
Officials had set a target of completing work on a 1,150-metre stretch by May. However, approximately 200 metres of work still remains pending.
The continued delay in restoring roads and completing drainage infrastructure has raised concerns among residents as Patna enters the peak monsoon period, when waterlogging and traffic disruptions typically intensify across the city.
