Sunday, March 09, 2008

CM serious about Marine drive

PATNA: A marine drive along river Ganga is likely to come up in all likelihood as the state government has been holding discussions at the highest level in this regard.

CM Nitish Kumar has already spoken to the authorities in the road construction and urban development departments in this regard.

Nitish said on Friday, "We are still considering issues like huge funds needed for the project. It could be a public-private partnership venture or any other mode."

The government has initiated steps to appoint a consultant and is also analysing the cost benefit factor. "Some people might laugh at the idea and crack jokes but that will not deter us from our plans," Nitish said, adding, "For big things, one needs to think big."

The main consideration behind this idea is the rising population of Patna, shrinking roads and congested traffic. Nitish said some flyovers will also be constructed to ease the traffic. "Marine drive is my dream and if it takes shape, I will be too happy," he remarked.

Earlier, Nitish and road construction minister Nand Kishore Yadav watched a video presentation on the achievement of the Bihar Rajya Pul Nirman Nigam scripted by its chairman Pratyaya Amrit.

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