Patna’s Longest Drain Set To Become Four-Lane Road; Travel Time From Saidpur To Gaighat Cut To 20 Minutes

Patna is set to witness a major infrastructure transformation as a 5.7-kilometre, four-lane road is being constructed over the city’s longest drain, stretching from Saidpur to Gaighat. Once notorious for its foul stench, broken roads, accidents, and traffic snarls, the area is being redeveloped to improve connectivity and safety for approximately 2,00,000 daily commuters.

According to the project engineer, Alok Kumar, construction is progressing rapidly from the Chhoti Pahari side, while work from the Saidpur side will commence on December 5. A traffic diversion plan has been prepared via the NCC Campus, Physical College, and Science City, though minor disruptions may occur due to an event at the NCC Campus from December 4-10 .

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Currently, travelling via Nala Road, Rajendra Nagar, or Gaighat routes involves heavy congestion. The new road is expected to reduce travel time from Nala Road to Pahari to just 15-20 minutes, easing pressure on Ashok Rajpath, Mahendru, and Kankarbagh roads.

The project, initially intended only to repair the drain, has now been upgraded to a full four-lane road, covering the drain from Saidpur to Gaighat with a box drain, while the section from Gaighat to Pahari Pump will remain open with roads on both sides. The base width of the drain is set at 7 metres and the top width at 12 metres. A duct will also be constructed to carry electrical wires underground.

Over the years, the area suffered from open waste, encroachments, and more than 75 permanent and temporary obstructions, along with 274 electricity poles that will now be relocated or removed. The revised project cost stands at Rs 331.40 crore, up from the initial estimate of Rs 259 crore. STPL and RR Company are jointly handling construction.

Residents have welcomed the project. Shamsher Alam of New Azimabad said, “Vehicles often fall into the drain. The stench makes it difficult to live here,” while Manish Kumar of Gaighat added, “Widening the road will provide relief for those travelling to Kankarbagh-Musallahpur.”

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The road is expected to bring five major benefits:

1. Establish an east-west passenger corridor, connecting Rajendra Nagar, Kankarbagh, Nala Road, Gaighat, and Patna City.

2. Reduce traffic load on Ashok Rajpath and the NH, benefiting traders and commuters.

3. Eliminate the foul odour and overflow problems, especially near Shanichara, Bakri Mandi, Rampur, and Saidpur.

4. Improve beautification and safety, preventing waste dumping and accidents.

5. Strengthen the drainage system, a key outlet for domestic pumping stations and STPs.

Saidpur ward councillor Indradeep Chandravanshi said, “The project will gain momentum as soon as work begins from both ends on 5 December. This will become Patna’s new traffic corridor.”

The construction of this four-lane road over Patna’s longest drain is more than just an infrastructure upgrade; it is poised to transform the city’s commuting experience and lifestyle.