Patna: State urban development and housing minister Nitin Nabin, during an inspection of the Bakerganj drain renovation work on Sunday, issued directives to officials to complete the work timely. The renovation project, funded through the Patna Smart City initiative, includes construction of a 1.4-km long roadway over the Bakerganj drain, with a budget of Rs 28.98 crore. The upcoming road will facilitate smooth flow of vehicles from Rajendra Path to Anta Ghat on the Ashok Rajpath. The project includes drain renovation and construction of road over it, with the BUIDCO assigned as the implementing agency. The work commenced on drain water diversion near Uma Cinema Hall. Additionally, water diversion work is underway behind Mona Cinema Hall to facilitate the construction activities. Speaking to reporters, the minister said the Smart City Project encompasses renovation of three major drains in Patna, including that in Bakerganj, Mandiri and Saidpur. He said the department regularly assesses the work. Nitin said that dilapidated drains such as that of Mandiri and Bakerganj are being redeveloped under the smart city mission with construction of smart roads over them. He added that the construction of the Bakerganj drain will facilitate water drainage in ward numbers 37, 28, 36, 38 and 39, mitigating the waterlogging issues. “This plan will benefit millions of residents. Our govt is working swiftly to improve transport facilities in the state capital. The Patna Municipal Corporation and BUIDCO have been instructed to work jointly and continuous monitor the progress of work,” the minister said. Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) commissioner Animesh Kumar Parashar, BUIDCO managing director Yogesh Sharma, Patna deputy mayor Reshmi Chandravanshi, local ward councillors Ashish Sinha and Sanjeev Anand and several department officials were present during the inspection. As per the plan, the proposed road will have footpaths, parking facilities, open and green spaces, zebra crossings, rumble strips, stop signs, advanced direction signs, LED street lights, street furniture, and directional arrows. Vending zones will also be created.
