In a major infrastructure milestone for Bihar’s capital, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is set to inaugurate the final stretch of the ambitious “JP Ganga Path” on Thursday, completing the 20.5-km long expressway that promises to transform commuting in Patna. The final phase, stretching from Kangan Ghat to Didarganj, marks the culmination of a project nearly a decade in the making.
Named after the iconic socialist leader Jayaprakash Narayan, the JP Ganga Path—also dubbed Patna’s Marine Drive—has become a lifeline for city residents, connecting Digha in the west to Didarganj in the east. With this final leg operational, Patna now boasts a seamless riverfront road that dramatically reduces travel time, improves intra-city connectivity, and links north and south Bihar.
A Decade-Long Dream Comes True
The foundation stone of the project was laid on October 11, 2013, under the leadership of CM Nitish Kumar. Built at a total cost of ₹3,831 crore, the expressway was constructed in phases. The first 7.5-km stretch, from Digha to PMCH, was opened to the public on June 24, 2022. The remaining segments were gradually made operational, culminating in Thursday’s final inauguration.
What Makes Ganga Path Special?
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Enhanced Connectivity: The expressway offers city access at seven major points, including Atal Path, LCT Ghat, Gandhi Maidan near AN Sinha Institute, PMCH, Krishna Ghat, Gaighat, Kangan Ghat, and Patna Ghat.
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Time-Saving Route: It significantly cuts down travel time to vital locations like PMCH, Patna University, the Civil Court, Gandhi Setu, and even AIIMS, Patna.
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North-South Link: The Ganga Path provides direct links to JP Setu and Gandhi Setu, facilitating smoother traffic flow between north and south Bihar.
Future Plans & Extensions
The state government has already approved connectivity enhancements, including a new road over Mandiri Nala and a down ramp at Gaighat. Further, CM Kumar has announced the extension of the Ganga Path:
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Westward: To Koilwar bridge at Bihta.
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Eastward: To Mokama, passing through Fatuha, Bakhtiyarpur, and Barh.
These expansions aim to integrate the Path with three upcoming bridges on the Ganga and the proposed Patna Ring Road, making it a vital corridor in Bihar’s road infrastructure.
More Than Just a Road
Beyond its utilitarian role, JP Ganga Path has emerged as a social and recreational hotspot. With scenic views of the river and a bustling vibe created by food vendors and evening crowds, the Path has quickly turned into a favorite hangout for locals.
Recognizing its popularity, the government has greenlit the development of an integrated park along the road, stretching up to Gandhi Maidan from the Digha end. The move is expected to boost both tourism and local livelihoods.
A Ceremonial Dedication
The final stretch will be inaugurated in the presence of top political leaders including Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, Speaker Nand Kishore Yadav, Road Construction Minister Nitin Nabin, and MP Ravi Shankar Prasad among others.
As the last piece of the JP Ganga Path falls into place, Patna not only gets a modern roadway but a symbol of its evolving urban identity—one that blends mobility, heritage, and recreation along the banks of the sacred Ganga.