Loknayak Ganga Path

The JP Ganga Path, also known as Loknayak Ganga Path or Patna Marine Drive, is a 4-lane expressway along the Ganga River in Patna, Bihar. Constructed by HUDCO and the Government of Bihar, it aims to ease traffic congestion between east and west Patna, particularly at Ashok Rajpath. The project was approved in August 2007, with construction starting on October 11, 2013.

The expressway spans 20.5 km from Digha to Deedarganj and is divided into three phases. Phase I (6.5 km) opened on June 24, 2022, while Phase II (5 km) was inaugurated on August 14, 2023. The third phase is under construction. The total cost is ₹5600 crore, with HUDCO providing a loan of ₹2000 crore at an interest rate of 10.75%, repayable over 16 years.

The expressway includes features like footpaths on either side and connects to key bridges such as Digha Rail Bridge and Mahatma Gandhi Setu. It also links nine points with Ashok Rajpath and is a toll road. The project reduces travel time between Digha and PMCH by 15-20 minutes.

Additionally, the Patna Riverfront Project, part of the National Ganga River Basin Authority, involves developing 20 ghats along a 4.5 km stretch, including cultural centers and esplanades. By June 2022, phase one was inaugurated, and as of August 2017, 14 ghats were completed.

Overall, the JP Ganga Path enhances connectivity in Patna while contributing to the development of its riverfront.