Patna may boast of eight road overbridges by year-end

PATNA: Patna is likely to become a state capital with the maximum number of road overbridges (ROBs) eight by the end of the year. Three of these



major ROBs are to be thrown open to traffic this month itself. So, work is on in full swing to complete those within the stipulated time frame.



IRCON chief project manager (CPM) V P Singh said the company has been working round the clock on the Gardanibagh ROB, which will be thrown open to traffic by the end of January. Final touches are being given to the bridge that is being built with the latest technology. IRCON has not compromised with quality as fas as construction goes, he added.



Singh said the Gardanibagh ROB is likely to cost about Rs 25 crore and it is being provided proper alignment facilities. People could use it from either end as provision for alignments has been made in four directions of the bridge to ensure a smooth movement of vehicular traffic.



Work has also been going on smoothly at the Sheetlamata ROB, Agamkuan, being built at a cost of Rs 32 crore. Expected to be thrown open for use by January-end, it will reduce traffic pressure on the main roads and provide faster connectivity to people passing through the area, Singh said.



Similarly, work on the Mithapur ROB is on in full throttle at an estimated cost of about Rs 70 crore. Its design and structure are unique in the sense that it has been provided connectivity with every part of the city. This ROB, 250.9 metre long and 15 metre wide, is likely to lessen pressure on the Chiraiyatand ROB as it provides direct connectivity to Kankarbagh and other areas in southern Patna.



Of the three legs (connectivity), one leg of the ROB will be thrown open by the end of January, providing a direct link between the GPO roundabout and the Karbighaiya-end bus stand, Singh said.



The IRCON CPM said these ROBs, which are being built with new technology, will have provision for special lighting. These ROBs have concrete girders, railings and footpath facilities for the convenience of pedestrians, too, he added.



Besides, IRCON would also complete ROBs at Bihta, Muzaffarpur, Sasaram, Purnia and Kisanganj soon. The Bihta ROB will be thrown open to public by February-end while Motijheel ROB in Muzaffarpur will be completed by March-end, the CPM said.



IRCON is involved in the construction of 22 ROBs across the state at a cost of Rs 585 crore of which more than Rs 300 crore has already been spent by IRCON while the state government has contributed Rs 100 crore