Patna: The work on the eight-kilometre stretch of a road from Bhadra Ghat to Didarganj along river Ganga in Patna City — which will serve as an alternative route to heavily congested Ashok Rajpath — is likely to start within a month. It will be a four-lane road, the width of which will be 21 metres, and there will be footpaths on both sides. The selection of a construction agency, which will have to set up a concrete batch mixing plant to start the process, has been done by the nodal agency, Bihar State Road Development Corporation Limited (BSRDCL). The construction agency has identified the land to set up the mixing plant near the construction site. After setting up the plant, the work on the four-lane project will begin in July, BSRDCL officials said on Friday.According to a BSRDCL official, the project, estimated to cost approximately Rs 101 crore, is targeted for completion within 18 months, after which the new road will serve as an alternative route to Ashok Rajpath, providing relief to nearly 10 lakh residents of Patna City from persistent traffic problems.The development plan includes upgrading the existing two-lane road from Gaighat to Damrahi Ghat (5km) to a four-lane highway, along with the construction of a new 3km four-lane stretch from Damrahi Ghat to Didarganj. The expansion will directly connect several important ghats, including Bhadra, Mirchai, Patna and Sharifganj.The official said that a contract was signed with the selected agency on May 4. Currently, the pre-construction activities are ongoing, which include setting up their office, touching plant, and mobilisation of workers and machines. The pre-construction activities will conclude within a month, and the construction work is likely to begin by next month, the BSRDCL official said.The new road infrastructure will particularly benefit devotees during religious festivals like Chhath Puja, providing easier access to the Ganga ghats. It will also ensure direct connectivity to JP Ganga Path at various points, including Gaighat, Kangan and Patna ghats, and Didarganj.Additionally, the first phase of the double-decker elevated road on Ashok Rajpath, from Gandhi Maidan to Krishna Ghat, is expected to become operational next month. However, its connection to PMCH remains pending due to ongoing metro rail project and multilevel parking construction.The BSRDCL official said the infrastructure development marks a significant step, promising smoother and faster travel for city residents.