Nitish Kumar inaugurates fifth phase of JP Ganga Path

IANS April 10, 2025 290 views

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has achieved a significant milestone by inaugurating the fifth phase of JP Ganga Path, creating a transformative urban corridor in Patna. The four-lane road, stretching 20.5 km, dramatically reduces travel time and connects multiple city landmarks along the Ganga riverfront. With an investment of Rs 3,831 crore, this project promises to enhance urban mobility and potentially boost tourism in the region. The inauguration marks a strategic infrastructure development that could redefine Patna's urban landscape and connectivity.

"A dream road that will change Patna's connectivity forever" - Local Resident
Nitish Kumar inaugurates fifth phase of JP Ganga Path
Patna, April 10: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday inaugurated the much-awaited fifth phase of JP Ganga Path, extending the iconic riverside road from Kangan Ghat to Didarganj.

Key Points

1

Revolutionary 20.5 km Marine Drive project completed after decade-long development

2

Reduces city travel time from 2 hours to 25 minutes

3

Connects multiple key city landmarks and institutions

4

Provides scenic Ganga riverfront experience

The inauguration, held via remote, was met with enthusiastic cheers and slogans from the gathered crowd.

With this five-km stretch now open, the JP Ganga Path - often dubbed Patna’s Marine Drive - offers seamless connectivity from Digha to Didarganj, significantly easing traffic congestion in the city and reducing travel time between the eastern and western parts of Patna.

The total cost of the project is Rs 3,831 crore, and its total length is 20.5 km. The stretch was constructed by Bihar State Road Construction Corporation Limited.

With this inauguration, the Marine Drive will connect Digha, Atal Path, LCT Ghat, Gandhi Maidan, PMCH, Patna University, NIT, Gaighat, Kangan Ghat, Krishna Ghat, Patna Ghat, and Didarganj.

It will also be linked to JP Setu, Mahatma Gandhi Setu, and Patna Ring Road. Now connecting Patna directly to Koilwar Bridge in Bihta will be possible, and it would enable faster access to Ara-Buxar (NH-922), Ara-Mohania (NH-319) and Purvanchal Expressway.

The foundation of this project was laid on October 11, 2013, on the birth anniversary of Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan.

Phase 1 from Digha to PMCH of 7.5 km – inaugurated June 24, 2022; Phase 2: PMCH to Gaighat (5 km) – inaugurated August 14, 2023; Phase 3: Gaighat to Kangan Ghat (3 km) – inaugurated July 10, 2024; Phase 4: Krishna Ghat Sampark Path – inaugurated October 3, 2024; and Phase 5: Kangan Ghat to Didarganj (5 km) – inaugurated April 10, 2025.

This four-lane road connectivity will reduce the travel time and distance across the city, so commuters can reach from Digha to Didarganj in just 20 to 25 minutes. Earlier, they struggled with one and a half to two hours through Ashok Rajpath and Patna Bypass road.

It will also provide vital emergency and medical connectivity, especially to PMCH from Patna AIIMS, for the patients of North Bihar districts like Chhapra, Gopalganj, and Siwan.

It would also boost tourism with scenic views of the Ganga, particularly during the evenings. A planned Smart Patna beautification project aims to develop the riverfront into a prominent recreational and cultural hub.

Following the inauguration, people expressed deep gratitude toward CM Nitish Kumar for delivering on a long-cherished dream.

The road is expected to be a game-changer for urban mobility in Patna.

Dignitaries present at the inauguration included Vijay Kumar Sinha, Samrat Chaudhary, Nitin Naveen, and others.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul S.
This is such a game-changer for Patna! I drove the stretch today and it's so smooth. Finally we have infrastructure that matches other metro cities. Kudos to the team 👏
P
Priya K.
The evening views of Ganga from this path are breathtaking! Took my family there yesterday and we had such a wonderful time. Hope they maintain it well though.
A
Amit R.
While I appreciate the development, I wish they had prioritized pedestrian walkways and cycling tracks too. The road is great for vehicles but not very inclusive for all commuters.
S
Sunita M.
My husband works at PMCH and this has literally halved his commute time! No more getting stuck in Ashok Rajpath traffic. Thank you for this much-needed infrastructure 🙏
V
Vikram J.
₹3,831 crore is a huge amount - hope the quality matches the investment. The earlier phases have held up well so far. Fingers crossed this becomes Patna's pride for decades to come!
N
Neha P.
The connectivity to AIIMS is going to save so many lives! Patients from North Bihar districts won't have to suffer through city traffic during emergencies. Best part of this project ❤️

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Tags:
Nitish Kumar JP Ganga Path Patna Infrastructure Bihar Development Urban Mobility Riverfront Project
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