Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar inaugurated the state’s first double-decker flyover on Ashok Rajpath in Patna on Wednesday, just months before the crucial state assembly elections. The inauguration is seen as a significant development for the state, as it coincides with the political race between Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) and the RJD-led India Alliance, both vying for control in the upcoming polls.
The newly constructed flyover, built at a cost of ₹450 crore, promises to ease the city’s chronic traffic congestion. Serving as both a modern infrastructure showpiece and a practical solution to traffic woes, the flyover will help reduce long-standing jams along Ashok Rajpath. It offers a convenient alternative for commuters traveling across Patna, allowing smoother travel to key locations, including Gandhi Maidan, NIT, and Patna University.
The double-decker flyover, measuring 2.2 km in length, was completed by the Bihar State Bridge Construction Corporation Limited. The project was first announced in 2020 and construction began shortly after, with the foundation stone being laid in September 2021. Originally scheduled for completion by March 2025, the flyover was inaugurated ahead of time, despite a few delays.
The structure consists of two levels: the first level spans 1.5 km from Patna College to BN College, while the second level stretches 2.2 km from Kargil Chowk to Science College. The dual-level design aims to alleviate traffic bottlenecks by providing a one-way, 8.5-meter-wide carriageway on both levels.
In addition to its practical benefits, the flyover has become a new landmark for the city. Each supporting pillar has been associated with iconic local landmarks such as BN College, St. Joseph School, and the Patna Civil Court, making it easy for residents to identify their location.
One of the standout features of the flyover is its noise-reducing barriers, designed to mitigate the impact of traffic sounds. Given the busy nature of Ashok Rajpath, where there are numerous educational institutions, hospitals, and offices, the installation of these barriers is expected to reduce noise pollution by up to 70%.
Road Construction Minister Nitin Naveen revealed that as part of an integrated plan, a metro station will be built near the flyover, further improving connectivity for commuters. This station will be directly connected to the flyover, offering additional convenience to passengers.
Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary and other senior officials, including Nitish Kumar, attended the inauguration ceremony. Kumar himself took a walk around the flyover post-inauguration, inspecting the views around the new structure.
In his remarks, JD(U) leader Arvind Singh praised the Chief Minister for his continued efforts to develop Bihar, emphasizing that the successful completion of the flyover was a result of Kumar’s leadership and determination.
With the flyover now complete, Patna residents are hopeful that it will significantly ease their daily commutes, marking a milestone in the state’s infrastructural development.
