Loknayak Ganga Path, Patna: Bihar’s Visionary Riverfront Expressway

The Loknayak Ganga Path, popularly referred to as Patna Marine Drive, is one of the most ambitious and transformative infrastructure projects in the history of Bihar. Running along the southern bank of the River Ganga, this scenic and strategic expressway not only eases urban traffic congestion but also offers breathtaking views, making it a new pride of the capital city, Patna.

🛣️ Overview

• Name: Loknayak Ganga Path
• Nickname: Patna Marine Drive
• Location: Southern bank of River Ganga, Patna, Bihar
• Length: Approximately 20.5 kilometers (Phase 1 completed)
• Start Point: Digha (near AIIMS, Patna)
• End Point: Didarganj (near Patna Ghat)
• Managing Authority: Bihar State Road Development Corporation (BSRDC)
• Estimated Cost: ₹3,800 crores (approx.)

📜 Historical Significance of the Name

The road is named after Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan, a revered freedom fighter, social reformer, and political leader from Bihar. He played a pivotal role in India’s struggle for independence and later in the Total Revolution Movement against the Indira Gandhi government during the 1970s. Naming this monumental road after him is a tribute to his contribution and legacy.

🏗️ Project Vision and Development

The idea of developing a riverfront expressway in Patna was conceived to:

• Decongest the city’s overburdened roads
• Provide a high-speed corridor for intra-city travel
• Boost urban development and beautification along the Ganga River
• Enhance connectivity to key institutions, including AIIMS, Patna High Court, Gandhi Maidan, and several religious and cultural spots

The project was executed in multiple phases, with Phase 1 spanning from Digha to Gai Ghat being opened to the public in June 2022.

🚗 Features and Facilities

Loknayak Ganga Path is a modern urban road, modeled after marine drives in other Indian cities like Mumbai and Kochi. Some of its key features include:

• Four-lane expressway with service lanes
• LED street lighting for nighttime safety and aesthetics
• State-of-the-art flyovers and underpasses for seamless traffic movement
• Landscape gardening and beautification along the road
• Dedicated footpaths and cycling tracks (in development phases)
• River-view seating areas and open spaces for recreational use

The road is constructed on an elevated embankment, protecting the city from potential flooding while offering an uninterrupted drive along the river.

🌉 Key Connectivity and Benefits

The expressway has become a lifeline for Patna’s daily commuters and a symbol of infrastructural growth:

• Faster Connectivity: Travel time between Digha and Didarganj has been reduced from over an hour to just 20–25 minutes.
• Access to AIIMS Patna: Critical for patients and emergency services.
• Link to Upcoming Ganga Bridges: Such as the JP Setu and Kacchi Dargah-Bidupur Bridge, enhancing regional connectivity.
• Support to Economic Growth: Encourages real estate, retail, and tourism development along the corridor.

🌆 Tourism & Urban Appeal

Much like Mumbai’s Marine Drive, the Patna Marine Drive has quickly become a popular hangout and tourist attraction. Locals flock to the road during early mornings and evenings for walks, photography, and leisure drives.

Future plans include:

• Cafés and food kiosks along designated areas
• Riverfront parks and children’s play zones
• Cultural hubs and event spaces

It is also expected to become a venue for events like marathons, open-air concerts, and kite festivals.

🧭 Future Expansion Plans

The state government aims to expand Loknayak Ganga Path further and integrate it with ring road projects, allowing smoother entry and exit from Patna city. Discussions are also ongoing for extending connections to Danapur and Kacchi Dargah, turning this into a complete Ganga Riverfront Development Zone.

📷 A Photogenic Urban Icon

The visuals from this road are stunning—especially during sunrise and sunset. On clear days, the river shimmers alongside the road, while city lights at night give it a vibrant, metropolitan feel. It has quickly become a favorite spot for content creators, vloggers, and local photographers.

🌍 Environmental and Social Impact

While the project had to balance environmental concerns—especially due to proximity to the Ganga—it adopted measures to minimize impact:

• Afforestation efforts along the corridor
• Eco-friendly construction practices
• Community consultation during land acquisition phases

The expressway has also helped ease pollution and traffic congestion, which were persistent issues in central Patna.

The Loknayak Ganga Path stands as a symbol of modern Bihar—a blend of heritage, progress, and sustainable urban planning. It reflects the aspirations of a state moving confidently into the future, while honoring its historical and cultural roots.

Whether you’re a local commuter, a visitor to Patna, or an infrastructure enthusiast, a drive along the Patna Marine Drive is not just about convenience—it’s an experience.