In a significant move to accelerate infrastructure development, the Road Construction Department (RCD) Secretary, Pankaj Kumar Pal, conducted a comprehensive review and field inspection of multiple key road projects in Patna on Friday. The inspection focused on projects announced during the Chief Minister's 'Pragati Yatra', aimed at decongesting the city's traffic.
Major Corridors Under Scrutiny
During his visit, Pal examined the progress on several crucial stretches, including the Nehru Path, Gola Path, Rupaspur Canal Road, and the Saguna Mor corridor. Officials stated that these projects are strategically designed to create alternative traffic routes and distribute vehicular load away from overburdened main arteries, especially during peak hours.
A major highlight was the inspection of the 6.90 km road widening project from Khagaul Nehru Path to Ashok Rajpath via Rupaspur Canal Road. This project, with an administrative approval of Rs 71.48 crore for four-laning and strengthening, has already seen substantial progress. Secretary Pal reported the completion of 1.20 km of drain construction, 0.70 km of retaining wall work, and 2 km of granular sub-base (GSB) work.
Progress on Ring Road Connectivity and Key Links
Another critical project reviewed was the AIIMS Golambar-Janipur-Painapur-Neva road, a vital part of the broader Bihta-Sarmera-Patna Ring Road plan. This 10.50 km stretch is being upgraded to a two-lane standard with an approved cost of Rs 138.50 crore. The department has completed 2.10 km of drain construction and 5.50 km of GSB and earthwork on this route.
Pal also took stock of the 2.70 km section from Rupaspur Canal to Saguna Mor on Nehru Path. This ambitious project, involving road construction and widening with underground drains on both sides, has received administrative approval of approximately Rs 318.50 crore. Officials confirmed that raft foundation work is currently underway, marking active construction progress.
Focus on Local Connectivity and Traffic Ease
The secretary further inspected ongoing construction work intended to enhance connectivity from Patli Path to Nehru Path towards Danapur. This link is expected to improve local access and reduce pressure on parallel routes. Additionally, he reviewed the 2.20 km widening and strengthening work on the stretch from Nehru Path to Gola Path, which is currently in progress.
The overarching goal of all these projects, as emphasized during the inspection, is to ease traffic movement, reduce chronic congestion, and significantly cut down travel time for commuters across Patna's western and southern corridors. The field visit underscores the administration's push to transform the city's road infrastructure and fulfill promises made during the Pragati Yatra.
