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The long-anticipated double-decker flyover in PATNA, stretching across the bustling Ashok Rajpath, has encountered yet another postponement. Originally set for inauguration by January of this year, the completion date for the Rs 422-crore venture has now been shifted to the early days of June. This marks the fifth time the project's timeline has been extended, as confirmed by officials from Bihar Rajya Pul Nirman Nigam Limited (BRPNNL), who are overseeing the construction. They have cited a multitude of construction hurdles that have necessitated pushing the project's finish line back by an additional five months.
"Hindrances ranging from heavy traffic congestion in the commercial hub to complications with land acquisition have significantly slowed progress," a senior engineer from BRPNNL explained. Among the issues were delays tied to land acquisition for the metro rail project, the road-over-drain project near Anta Ghat, and a specific delay in obtaining a one-metre land strip from a church. These factors, combined with the need to install drainage systems across certain stretches, have posed substantial challenges.
Despite the setbacks, the double-decker flyover, spanning 2.2 km from Kargil Chowk to Science College, has reached structural completion. Yet, there remains a bevy of finishing tasks to be addressed, including the installation of lighting, railings, sound barriers, thermoplastic markings, traffic signs, and landscaping. The ongoing repair work on the existing road below the flyover, along with the fitting of drainage pipes along excavated sections, is nearing its end. "The road repair deadline is May 31, and we plan to have CM Nitish Kumar inaugurate the project in the first week of June," the BRPNNL engineer stated.
The innovative design of the flyover incorporates a dual-tier system to ease traffic flow. The lower level, extending 1.5 km, will facilitate one-way traffic from Patna College to B N College. Meanwhile, the upper deck, covering a distance of 2.2 km, will support one-way traffic from Kargil Chowk to Science College. Both tiers will feature lanes that are 7.5 metres wide to accommodate vehicles comfortably.
To further enhance connectivity, the flyover will offer several access points, including one that connects to the upcoming multi-level car parking at Patna Medical College Hospital (PMCH) and another ramp near Patna University's Central Library. This ramp will lead directly to J P Ganga Pathway at Krishna Ghat, providing an essential link for commuters.
The project also includes the construction of 1 to 1.5-metre-wide footpaths on either side of the flyover for pedestrian use. The space beneath the flyover is designated for vehicle parking, optimizing the use of urban space. The engineer shared that the repair work extending from NIT More to PMCH is almost complete, barring the section impacted by the metro rail construction near the hospital.
Regarding traffic management, the engineer revealed, "We proposed to the district administration that one-way traffic be allowed from Kulhariya to Kargil Chowk, with a diversion for the opposite direction through the lane near Christ Church and St Joseph's Convent High School. However, our request has not been acted upon."
While the project faces its fifth delay, the comprehensive efforts towards its completion, including extensive repair and construction work, promise significant improvements in traffic management and urban infrastructure in Patna.
