In a major boost for Bihar’s infrastructure ambitions, state minister Dilip Jaiswal announced in the assembly that Patna’s iconic JP Ganga Path, fondly called the Marine Drive, will soon stretch all the way to Buxar. This development comes amid growing demands from locals for better connectivity along the Ganga riverfront.
The announcement was made during the ongoing budget session of the Bihar Legislative Assembly. BJP MLA Mithilesh Tiwari raised the issue in question hour, highlighting public excitement over the path’s extension to Koilwar but pressing for plans beyond. ‘People of Buxar are eagerly awaiting the expansion,’ he stated.
Responding confidently, Minister Jaiswal reminisced about the days when Biharis traveled to Maharashtra to experience Mumbai’s Marine Drive. ‘Thanks to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s vision, our own Ganga Path has become a pride point, drawing comparisons to the famous promenade,’ he said. He revealed that the government is actively working to link roads and waterways along the Ganga, with extensions underway from Koilwar to Bidupur.
Jaiswal painted a grand picture, declaring the state’s dream to develop the path from Buxar to Farakka. This visionary project aims to transform the riverine corridor into a seamless transport and tourism hub. Tiwari, however, urged for concrete declarations over mere dreams.
Adding a humorous note, Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary intervened, requesting members to drop the ‘Marine Drive’ tag. ‘Mumbai residents are now saying they want their Marine Drive to resemble our Ganga Path. It’s become the new benchmark for beauty and appeal,’ he quipped, underscoring the project’s rising national stature.
This expansion promises enhanced connectivity, economic growth, and tourism potential for Bihar, positioning the Ganga Path as a model for urban riverfront development across India.