Patna: Approximately 1,000 metres of construction work on the Rajiv Nagar-Kurji drain project has been completed, with work currently underway between Rajiv Nagar DPS and Atal Path. The Bihar Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (Buidco) is aiming to finish key sections before the monsoon season.
Project Overview and Benefits
The Rs 180 crore project involves covering the 4.26-km drain from Ashiana-Digha Road to Atal Path and constructing a four-lane road over it. Once completed, it will directly benefit over two lakh residents of Rajiv Nagar, Mahesh Nagar, Indrapuri, Patel Nagar, and nearby areas. Currently, only a single-lane road runs beside the open drain, which often remains jammed, causing major inconvenience for locals travelling to Atal Path or Ashiana-Digha Road.
Construction Phases and Progress
Construction is being executed in phases. The 2.5-km stretch from Rajiv Nagar DPS to Atal Path is under active work. Of this, the 0-500 metre patch is complete. Work will now begin on the 500-1500 metre (1-km) patch. Another 500-metre patch has also been finished. Construction on the 2000-2500 metre patch from the Atal Path side will start soon, officials stated.
A Buidco official explained that a box drain is being built using central load-bearing technology from both ends — Rajiv Nagar and the Ashiana-Digha Road side. The process involves dewatering the drain, constructing the base, followed by a raft, then building walls on both sides, and placing a slab on top. After all these processes, the four-lane road will be developed.
Cost and Timeline
While the estimated cost was Rs 180 crore, the agreement was signed with the construction agency at a lower bid of Rs 149 crore. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar laid the foundation stone in August 2025. The project deadline is two years, until 2027.
Road Specifications and Features
The road will have an average width of 24 metres, with facilities for drainage, footpath, trash racks, and LED street lights. Precast manholes will be installed for cleaning and maintenance, and trash racks will prevent garbage inflow. The drain itself will be 6.5 to 7 metres wide and 2 metres deep. It covers wards 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, and 8 and ends at the Kurji Drainage Pumping Station.
“Rajiv Nagar drain is an important drain for water drainage in the city. The four-lane road over it will end daily traffic jam problems seen in this area,” the Buidco official added.
