In a major development for Patna’s infrastructure and traffic management, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is set to inaugurate the JP Ganga Path on April 10, 2025. Also known as Patna’s Marine Drive, this landmark project is aimed at transforming the city’s transportation landscape and offering a scenic, efficient, and congestion-free commute from Digha to Didarganj. The grand opening marks the culmination of a decade-long initiative to integrate urban design, connectivity, tourism, and smart city planning under the Smart Patna Project.

The JP Ganga Path, named in honour of Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan, began with its foundation stone being laid on October 11, 2013—the birth anniversary of JP Narayan. Since then, the project has undergone a multi-phase construction, with its final stretch from Kangan Ghat to Didarganj now ready for public use.

The JP Ganga Path inauguration holds special significance as it serves as a lifeline for Patna’s daily commuters, easing pressure on other crowded roads and offering multi-dimensional connectivity between key urban nodes. At a total cost of approximately ₹3,831 crore, this 20.5-kilometre-long road has been developed by the Bihar State Road Construction Corporation.

Key Features and Connectivity

One of the major highlights of JP Ganga Path is its ability to connect prominent locations in the city. From Aatal Path, LCT Ghat, Gandhi Maidan, PMCH, Patna University, and NIT to Krishna Ghat, Gaighat, Kangan Ghat, and Patna Ghat, the route strategically links essential administrative, educational, religious, and tourist spots.

The new road will drastically reduce travel time and distance between the northern and southern parts of Bihar, especially with its integration into JP Setu, Mahatma Gandhi Setu, and the upcoming Kachidarghah-Bidupur Six-Lane Bridge. This will ease movement for residents of Saran, Gopalganj, Siwan, and surrounding districts, particularly those travelling to PMCH and other major medical institutions in Patna.

Phased Construction and Timeline

The JP Ganga Path has been developed in well-defined phases, each addressing critical urban segments:

• Phase 1 (Digha to Gandhi Maidan – 7.5 km): Opened on June 24, 2022.

• Phase 2 (PMCH to Gaighat – 5 km): Inaugurated on August 14, 2023.

• Phase 3 (Gaighat to Kangan Ghat – 3 km): Completed by July 10, 2024.

• Krishna Ghat Access Road: Opened on October 3, 2024.

With the completion of the final segment to Didarganj, the entire 20.5-km corridor from Digha to Didarganj is now operational.

Urban Planning, Tourism, and Environmental Design

More than just a road, JP Ganga Path is a blend of urban planning and beautification. Flanked by the Ganga River, the project offers a mesmerising view, especially in the evening, turning it into a tourist attraction in its own right. As part of the Smart Patna Project, the road will also feature gardens, walking paths, and recreational zones along the riverbank between Digha and Gandhi Maidan.

Plans are also underway for a dedicated riverfront garden, enhancing Patna’s appeal to both residents and tourists. This green belt is envisioned to promote eco-tourism, public wellness, and urban aesthetics.

Relief for Traffic Congestion

Patna has long struggled with unmanageable traffic across narrow, outdated roads. JP Ganga Path’s multi-dimensional connectivity is a strategic solution to this problem. It bypasses traditional bottlenecks and provides a swift, smooth alternative to crowded routes through the city.

The route’s direct linkage to Patna Ring Road, NH-922, NH-319, and the Purvanchal Expressway (once extended to Koilwar), makes it a central arterial road that will serve as the backbone of the city's future urban transport planning.

Strategic Approvals and Enhancements

During the Pragati Yatra led by CM Nitish Kumar in February 2025, approvals were granted for further connectivity improvements, including a direct link from Mandiri Nala to JP Ganga Path and the construction of a down ramp at Gaighat. These additions aim to increase accessibility and help integrate inner-city traffic with the new corridor.

Additionally, three new bridges are under construction to complement the existing connections across the River Ganga, boosting cross-river transit efficiency.

Planned Expansions and Future Vision

Looking forward, JP Ganga Path is not the end but a beginning of future expansion. Government approvals have been secured to:

• Extend the road westward to Koilwar Bridge

• Extend eastward from Didarganj to Fatuha, Bakhtiyarpur, and Mokama

• Widen and upgrade the old National Highway corridor

Once these expansions are completed, Patna will witness an unprecedented improvement in regional and inter-district connectivity.

Economic and Social Impact

The benefits of this ambitious project are not just infrastructural. The economic and social impacts are equally significant. Reduced travel time means better access to education, healthcare, and job opportunities. Easier connectivity with medical hubs like PMCH can potentially save lives by ensuring timely access to critical care.

Tourism is also set to receive a significant boost, with increased footfall at the Ganga riverfront, contributing to local businesses and employment generation.

Conclusion

With the grand inauguration of JP Ganga Path on April 10, 2025, Bihar is stepping into a new era of urban mobility, tourism, and smart infrastructure. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s vision has translated into one of India’s most scenic and strategic urban roadways, redefining the way Patna connects with itself and the wider region.

Whether it’s for a commuter avoiding traffic, a tourist enjoying the riverfront, or a student accessing institutions like Patna University and NIT, JP Ganga Path offers a reliable, beautiful, and efficient route for all. This project will not only reshape Patna’s skyline but also become a benchmark for urban transformation in India.

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