Patna roads: RCD Secretary sets strict repair deadlines for key corridors
Synopsis
Patna's Road Construction Department Secretary Pankaj Kumar Pal has put officials on notice — with repair deadlines as tight as three days for key flyover approaches and a multi-pronged decongestion plan for Raja Bazar Flyover. The inspection signals a rare top-level push for accountability on the city's deteriorating road network.
Key Takeaways
RCD Secretary Pankaj Kumar Pal inspected key Patna roads and flyovers on 1 May 2025 .
Approach settlements near Shivpuri Flyover , Digha Flyover , and Digha Rotary must be repaired within 3 days .
Main carriageway on Nehru Path to be rectified within 15 days ; sunken slab near Kurji bridge within 10 days .
A revised DPR for Patli Path must be submitted within 3 days , with maintenance expedited via SDMC .
Multi-pronged plan announced for Raja Bazar Flyover congestion, including encroachment clearance and land acquisition for road widening.
Officials warned of strict action in case of delays.
Road Construction Department Secretary Pankaj Kumar Pal on 1 May conducted extensive on-site inspections of key roads and flyovers across Patna, issuing strict timelines for repairs on major corridors including JP Ganga Path, Atal Path, and Patli Path. Officials have been warned of strict action in the event of delays.
Key Repair Deadlines Issued
The Secretary directed that the main carriageway on Nehru Path be rectified within 15 days. Approach settlements near Shivpuri Flyover, Digha Flyover, and Digha Rotary must be fixed within three days. On the Digha to Didarganj stretch along JP Ganga Path, the sunken approach slab near Kurji bridge — identified as significantly deteriorated — must be repaired within 10 days.
These measures are aimed at improving both safety and riding comfort on what officials described as a crucial riverfront corridor for the city.
Patli Path: DPR Revision and Maintenance Push
Inspection of Patli Path revealed deterioration in expansion joints and the wearing coat. Pal directed officials to submit a revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) within three days and expedite maintenance from the AIIMS roundabout to the JP Setu approach road through SDMC. This stretch, a key connector for commuters, has reportedly seen mounting complaints about surface quality.
Raja Bazar Flyover: Multi-pronged Plan to Ease Congestion
To address chronic congestion near Raja Bazar Flyover, several decisions were taken during the inspection. These include identification of land for felling four trees near the junction in coordination with relevant authorities, possible relocation of a temple subject to approval, removal of a bus stop, gantry, electric poles, and roadside obstructions, clearance of encroachments at Ashiana Mor, and initiation of land acquisition for road widening. Taken together, these steps are expected to significantly ease traffic flow in one of Patna's busiest zones.
R-Block to Patna Railway Station: Long-Term Solution Sought
Addressing persistent congestion between R-Block and the Patna railway station roundabout, the Secretary emphasised the need for a long-term structural solution rather than piecemeal fixes. He directed engineers to strictly adhere to timelines and ensure minimal inconvenience to the public.
Reiterating the department's commitment, Pankaj Kumar Pal stated that delivering high-quality roads remains a top priority. The emphasis, he said, remains on improving riding quality, eliminating technical defects, and ensuring smooth traffic flow across Patna. With multiple deadlines now in place, the coming weeks will test whether the department can translate on-site directives into on-ground results.
Point of View
Which is encouraging, but the Raja Bazar Flyover plan — involving tree-felling approvals, temple relocation, and land acquisition — bundles together steps with vastly different timelines and jurisdictions. The real accountability test will come in two weeks, not two days. Patna's road infrastructure has long lagged its growing urban footprint, and a single inspection, however rigorous, cannot substitute for systemic maintenance protocols and contractor accountability mechanisms.
NationPress
30 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What roads did RCD Secretary Pankaj Kumar Pal inspect in Patna?
He inspected major corridors including JP Ganga Path, Atal Path, Patli Path, Nehru Path, and flyovers such as Shivpuri Flyover, Digha Flyover, and the area around Raja Bazar Flyover on 1 May 2025.
What are the repair deadlines issued for Patna roads?
Approach settlements near Shivpuri Flyover, Digha Flyover, and Digha Rotary must be fixed within 3 days; the Kurji bridge sunken slab within 10 days; and the Nehru Path carriageway within 15 days. A revised DPR for Patli Path is also due within 3 days.
What steps are planned to ease congestion near Raja Bazar Flyover?
The plan includes felling four trees near the junction, possible temple relocation subject to approval, removal of a bus stop, gantry, and electric poles, clearance of encroachments at Ashiana Mor, and initiation of land acquisition for road widening.
What action has been warned for officials who miss the deadlines?
Secretary Pankaj Kumar Pal has warned of strict departmental action against officials in case of delays, emphasising that negligence in road maintenance will not be tolerated.
Why is JP Ganga Path significant for Patna's road network?
JP Ganga Path is a key riverfront corridor running from Digha to Didarganj, serving as a crucial arterial route for commuters. Multiple structural issues, including a sunken approach slab near Kurji bridge, were identified during the inspection.
