Construction on a major underground drainage system in central Patna has restarted after a pause of three months. The Bihar Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (Buidco) is now back at work on the critical box drain project in the busy areas surrounding Patna Junction and New Market.
Project Details and Revised Timeline
This infrastructure initiative is a key component of a city-wide effort to overhaul Patna's aging drainage network, with an estimated value of approximately Rs 15 crore. Officials report that the construction is presently about 70% complete. Upon finishing, the new underground box drain will link to the existing drain at Gate 2 of Shaheed Veer Kunwar Singh Azadi Park, commonly known as Hardinge Park. The water will ultimately flow into the Serpentine Nala.
The original deadline for completion was December 31 of this year. However, the timeline has been extended to prioritize safety and ensure the structure's long-term durability. A senior Buidco engineer leading the project provided an update: "Our earlier goal was to finish by year-end. The new target is to make the drain fully functional by January 15, 2026. With 30% of work left, our team is concentrating on the final connection stages to ensure the system is operational before the next monsoon season."
A Long-Awaited Solution for Chronic Waterlogging
For many years, the localities around the railway station, New Market, and Mahavir Mandir have been plagued by severe waterlogging during the rainy season. The current drainage line, situated near a local printing press, is both outdated and has a very low capacity. This leads to painfully slow water drainage and frequent flooding, disrupting daily life for thousands of commuters and local business owners.
The new, larger-capacity underground box drain is specifically engineered to streamline water flow and offer a permanent fix to this persistent problem. Its completion is eagerly anticipated by shopkeepers and residents who face losses and inconvenience annually.
Reasons Behind the Delay and Safety Concerns
The project encountered significant hurdles in the latter part of the year, leading to the three-month work stoppage. Buidco officials cited a combination of heavy monsoon rains, the extended festival season, and election-related activities as primary causes for the slowdown.
Work was also temporarily suspended following a safety incident in September, where a vehicle fell into an open excavation pit near the multi-modal transport hub due to insufficient barricading. This event underscored the need for heightened safety measures at the construction site, which have since been reinforced as work recommences.
With the renewed focus, authorities are pushing to complete the remaining 30% of the work efficiently. The successful implementation of this Rs 15 crore drainage project is expected to significantly alleviate the chronic waterlogging that has long affected one of Patna's most vital commercial and transit zones.
