Patna: Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) has secured a no objection certificate (NOC) and is set to develop a well-organised vending zone on a 1.93-acre plot near Loknayak J P Golambar (Digha Golambar) on J P Ganga Path, popularly known as Marine Drive, for relocating roadside vendors.The initiative marks the latest push in the corporation’s long-standing efforts to clear roadside vendors from the scenic stretch of the Ganga river and relocate them to a designated formal space. Earlier plans to shift vendors and establish a proper vending zone faced repeated delays and changes, leaving many operating in temporary and unsanitary conditions along the busy Marine Drive.The current project, estimated at Rs 59 lakh, will accommodate around 250 vendor carts. The tender for the first phase has already been floated, with the PMC aiming to shift vendors to the new site by the end of May 2026.Patna mayor Sita Sahu said the NOC for the land was recently obtained, following which the tender process was initiated. “The development will be executed in two phases. In the first phase, the land will be levelled and developed with Plain Cement Concrete (PCC) roads, an efficient drainage system and street lighting. These basic infrastructure works will create a clean, functional and safe vending area, replacing the current chaotic roadside setup and helping improve traffic flow along the popular promenade,” she said.Sahu added that the target is to complete the first phase by May-end, for which Rs 59 lakh will be utilised. “Once it is ready, the vendors will be shifted here,” she said.In the second phase, several modern amenities will be added to transform the space into a vibrant destination. These will include an entertainment zone, children’s play area, selfie point, seating arrangements, parking facilities, public toilets, drinking water facilities, aesthetic lighting and extensive landscaping. Plans are also in place to develop an amphitheatre for cultural and community events.PMC officials said the cost for the second phase will be finalised after the detailed project report is prepared.Sahu said the project envisions transforming this stretch into a structured and sustainable vending hub. “It aims to support the livelihoods of street vendors, promote tourism and offer a clean, safe and engaging environment for both vendors and visitors. By providing organised facilities, the initiative is expected to enhance the overall urban aesthetics of Marine Drive while decongesting the roadside,” she said.“Once completed, the new vending zone is likely to benefit hundreds of vendors with a permanent designated space and provide citizens and tourists a more pleasant experience along the Ganga Path. The development reflects PMC’s broader efforts to balance urban regulation with the needs of informal traders in Patna,” the mayor said.
