Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Sunday announced plans to develop a 126-kilometre Marine Drive along the Ganga, with an estimated investment of Rs 70,000 crore, reported ANI.
The proposed project is expected to combine government and private investment, with the Bihar government contributing Rs 20,000 crore and private entities expected to invest the remaining Rs 50,000 crore.
Choudhary made the announcement while addressing the concluding ceremony of the Employment Fair at Gyan Bhavan near Gandhi Maidan in Patna. The event, organised by the Department of Youth, Employment and Skill Development, also saw offer letters being distributed to candidates selected by various employers.
Project to extend Patna’s existing Marine Drive
The Chief Minister said the planned corridor would build on the existing Marine Drive in Patna, which spans around 21 kilometres and was completed in 2025 at a cost of approximately Rs 6,000 crore.
“You can see the Marine Drive here now. Mumbai built its Marine Drive back in 1970. Nitish Kumar initiated this project in 2013, and it was completed by 2025,” he said, reported ANI.
Choudhary said the existing project was developed using state government resources and that the government now intends to extend the infrastructure along a much larger stretch of the Ganga.
“This time, we are starting from Koilwar on the Son River and extending the project along the entire stretch of Ganga. We have approved the construction of a Marine Drive spanning approximately 126 kilometres, involving an investment of around Rs70,000 crore,” Choudhary said.
Bihar expects private investment, jobs from expansion
According to the Chief Minister, private entities would account for Rs 50,000 crore of the proposed investment and the project would also create employment opportunities.
“At the same time, we need to open up new avenues. Therefore, we have decided to establish facilities across various sectors–whether related to employment or infrastructure,” the Chief Minister said.
The announcement comes as the Bihar government seeks to expand infrastructure while creating new avenues for investment and employment across the state.
Earlier on Sunday, Choudhary also joined an event in Bhagalpur through video conferencing to review arrangements for the Shravani Mela.
He said the annual pilgrimage involves a journey of around 100 kilometres across Bhagalpur, Munger and Banka, connecting communities across the three districts. The Chief Minister also praised residents of Bhagalpur, Banka and Munger for supporting the event and welcoming pilgrims.