Patna: Patna is witnessing a major transformation with the opening of the new stretch of the JP Ganga Path, a modern riverfront road built along the banks of the Ganges. The road, inaugurated by Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar on Friday evening, has quickly become one of the most talked-about infrastructure projects in the state. Many residents say the smooth roads, open river views and modern design make the stretch feel unlike anything the city has seen before. Some have even compared the experience of driving on the road to Mumbai’s famous Marine Drive.
The newly opened section currently connects Digha to PMCH and is expected to provide huge relief to people struggling daily with traffic jams on Ashok Rajpath, one of Patna’s busiest roads. Until now, travelling from Digha to PMCH could take nearly an hour during peak traffic hours. With the opening of the JP Ganga Path, the same journey can now be completed in around eight minutes. Officials believe this will save both time and fuel for thousands of commuters who travel across the city every day.
The road is expected to benefit not only local residents but also patients and families travelling to Patna Medical College and Hospital from different districts of Bihar. The expressway has been connected to Ashok Rajpath at three important points — near Digha, Golghar and PMCH — allowing vehicles to bypass crowded city roads. People travelling from Gandhi Maidan to important government areas such as R-Block, the Secretariat and the Legislative Assembly can now use this new route through Atal Path, avoiding heavy congestion at Dak Bungalow crossing and the Income Tax roundabout.
The new road is also expected to improve connectivity for people travelling towards North Bihar and southern parts of the state. Vehicles coming from areas such as Kankarbagh can directly reach JP Setu through Atal Path, Chiraiyatand bridge and the Mithapur flyover. Residents of Rajendra Nagar, Kadamkuan and nearby localities will also find it easier to travel towards places like Naubatpur and Aurangabad. Officials have allowed vehicles to travel at speeds of up to 80 kilometres per hour on the road, although drivers travelling from Gandhi Maidan towards the expressway will currently need to take a U-turn near Golghar because no direct turning points have yet been built.
The JP Ganga Path has also become a new attraction for residents of Patna because of its beautiful location beside the Ganges. In the evening, many people have already started visiting the stretch to enjoy the river views and the smooth drive along the waterfront. The project comes at a time when Union minister Nitin Gadkari has been speaking about improving Bihar’s road network to match international standards. For many residents, the JP Ganga Path is being seen as the beginning of a new and more modern Patna.
