Residents of central Patna are poised to experience significant relief from persistent urban nuisances including foul odors, accumulating garbage piles, and the unsightly presence of open drains. This transformation comes as the ambitious Bakarganj Nala Development Project, a cornerstone initiative under the Patna Smart City Mission, has achieved approximately 80% completion. With rigorous monitoring protocols in place, the Bihar Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation (BUIDCO), serving as the project's nodal agency, is intensifying efforts to finalize the remaining sections before the imminent monsoon season. This strategic push aims to ensure enhanced stormwater drainage capabilities and foster a cleaner, more hygienic urban environment for the community.
Project Scope and Infrastructure Details
The comprehensive development project involves the construction of a substantial 1,463-metre-long road over the existing drain, strategically routed from a cinema hall near Rajendra Path to the Anta Ghat junction on Ashok Rajpath. Executed with an investment nearing Rs29 crore, the new infrastructure features a 5-metre-wide carriageway developed utilizing robust reinforced concrete (RCC) drain boxes. This engineering choice directly addresses the previously deteriorated state of the drain, with officials opting for twin-barrel RCC drain boxes to ensure long-term durability and efficiency.
Enhanced Connectivity and Traffic Management
Upon its full completion, this new roadway is designed to provide direct and seamless connectivity to the prominent double-decker flyover located on Ashok Rajpath. This integration is expected to yield substantial benefits for daily commuters and residents alike. Key anticipated improvements include a noticeable easing of traffic flow, a significant reduction in congestion around the Gandhi Maidan and its adjacent areas, and overall smoother commuting experiences within this densely populated and busy urban zone. According to the contractual agreement, the project is slated for completion by the end of April 2026.
Widespread Community Impact
The scope of the project's positive impact is extensive, as highlighted by BUIDCO Public Relations Officer Sweta Bhaskar. The drain traverses numerous densely populated localities, including Lalji Tola, Railway Colony, Machhali Gali, Salimpur Aahra, Rajendra Path, Daldali Road, Bhawar Pokhar, Ashok Rajpath, the gates of Gandhi Maidan (1–3), the Gandhi Maidan Bus Stand, and Ramghulam Chowk. Consequently, thousands of residents and daily commuters in these areas stand to benefit from a multifaceted upgrade to their urban landscape.
The primary advantages encompass:
- Substantially improved stormwater drainage systems.
- A marked reduction in chronic waterlogging issues.
- Cleaner and more aesthetically pleasing surroundings.
- Significantly smoother and more efficient travel routes.
Construction Progress and Challenges
Engineer Shailendra Dubey provided specific insights into the current construction status, noting that approximately 60% of the critical drain-covering work—equating to about 750 metres—has been successfully completed. However, progress has encountered predictable challenges in the project's narrower and more congested segments, where existing encroachments have necessitated slower, more meticulous work. The construction lane itself originates at Rajendra Path and is designed to exit at the Anta Ghat junction.
To facilitate uninterrupted progress in these challenging areas, proactive measures are being implemented. "We have installed necessary barricades near Anta Ghat, and plans are in motion to temporarily relocate vegetable vendors operating in the vicinity. This will allow for the efficient completion of both the drain covering and the subsequent road construction phases," explained Engineer Dubey. In addition to the core drainage and roadwork, the project encompasses complementary elements such as the installation of signage, strategic landscaping, and streetlights, all aimed at enhancing the area's visual appeal and ensuring public safety after dark.
