Patna District Magistrate Urges Swift Action on Infrastructure Development
In a significant move to boost infrastructure development, District Magistrate Thiyagarajan S M has issued directives to officials and executing agencies to expedite the implementation of more than 30 state and central government projects. The instructions were given during a comprehensive project monitoring group meeting held on Tuesday, where the DM emphasized the need for time-bound completion of all public works.
Focus on Land Acquisition and Compensation
The administration is currently overseeing critical projects involving the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Patna Metro, railways, and the bridge construction corporation. District Magistrate Thiyagarajan noted that while land acquisition and transfer issues have been largely resolved, further acceleration is required. He specifically ordered the district land acquisition officer to organize village-level camps to ensure prompt compensation payments to affected landholders, addressing one of the most common bottlenecks in infrastructure projects.
Progress on Key Transportation Projects
Patna Metro Priority Corridor: Officials reported steady progress on the priority corridor stretching from Pataliputra bus terminal to Malahi Pakri. Importantly, they confirmed that no land acquisition matters remain pending for the Metro project at the district level. Sub-divisional authorities have been instructed to provide necessary administrative support to the Patna Metro Rail Corporation to maintain construction momentum without interruptions.
Danapur-Bihta Elevated Corridor: Work on this crucial corridor is advancing significantly. Authorities disclosed that ₹188.06 crore has already been disbursed to 959 landholders across 22 villages. To prevent delays, the DM has asked the Danapur Sub-Divisional Officer and Traffic Superintendent of Police to coordinate closely on-site requirements and implement effective traffic management strategies.
Highway and Ring Road Developments
NH-119A Patna-Ara-Sasaram Section: For this important highway section, ₹149.76 crore has been sanctioned specifically for compensation purposes, ensuring that financial settlements proceed smoothly.
Patna Ring Road Kanhouli-Sherpur Section: Compensation application camps were successfully held in Bihta and Maner during February to streamline the process for affected residents.
NH-119D Ramnagar-Kacchi Dargah Section: Significant progress has been made with ₹10.67 crore already paid to 55 landholders through the efficient Bhoomi Rashi portal, demonstrating the administration's commitment to transparent and timely compensation.
Administrative Directives and Quality Assurance
The District Magistrate issued several crucial administrative orders to ensure project success. Circle officers have been directed to immediately remove encroachments along project alignments, while the traffic SP must develop comprehensive diversion plans wherever construction activities impact vehicle movement. Executing agencies received strict instructions to adhere to standard operating procedures regarding safety protocols and environmental standards at all construction sites.
To maintain quality control, the deputy development commissioner and additional district magistrates have been tasked with conducting joint site inspections. The meeting concluded with a directive to align all ongoing projects with commitments made during the chief minister's recent progress tour, ensuring political accountability and administrative follow-through. The gathering was attended by personnel from NTPC, IOCL, GAIL, and various engineering departments, highlighting the multi-agency coordination required for these ambitious infrastructure initiatives.
