Patna’s JP Ganga Path, widely known as Marine Drive, is set for a major upgrade. Authorities are planning to install 50 modern prefabricated shops along the stretch to provide better facilities to visitors. The project aims to organize the street vending zone without ruining the natural beauty of the riverbank. Patna Smart City Limited (PSCL) has taken the lead and set a target to complete the installation within two months.
What is the new plan for shops on JP Ganga Path?
The administration has decided to set up 50 shops divided into 5 clusters, with 10 shops in each group. Out of these, 45 units will be 16 feet long, 10 feet wide, and 9 feet high, while the remaining 5 units will be slightly larger at 20 feet in length. These structures are built using prefabricated technology, meaning they can be assembled quickly with minimal impact on the environment. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) rules are strictly followed, ensuring no permanent concrete structures are built on the riverbed. Unlike the previous shops, these will be open modular units so that visitors can easily enjoy an obstruction-free view of the river Ganges.
What happened to the old closed shops?
Earlier, around 200 closed-style shops were built at a cost of approximately 15.45 crore rupees. However, they were removed as they blocked the river view and faced design issues. Yashpal Meena, MD of Patna Smart City Limited, stated that the previous investment is not going to waste. The removed structures are being handed over to Jeevika (Bihar Rural Livelihoods Promotion Society). These shops will be utilized by women self-help groups at the block level. The new tender process for the current open-design shops has already started, with an estimated earnest money deposit of around 14.36 Lakhs.
How will it benefit the public and tourists?
The project is designed to transform Patna Marine Drive into a clean and organized tourist hub, similar to the well-managed food zones in cities like Indore or Jaipur. By providing fixed spots for vendors, the Patna Municipal Corporation aims to stop the return of chaotic and unauthorized stalls on the main driveway. This will help reduce traffic jams and offer a much safer, cleaner environment for families visiting the Ganga Path. The technical bids for selecting the agency are currently under review by the authorities.
