The Ganga Expressway is in its final stages

The Ganga Expressway, to be built on the concept of Mumbai’s Marine Drive, is well on its course.

The land survey for the Rs 22,070-million project is in the final stages. And if all goes well, the elevated expressway project might be placed before the Cabinet in November itself.

“The land survey, being visualised on public-private-partnership (PPP), is almost complete. Now, we have to decide on the mode of development,” said Road Construction Department (RCD) secretary Pratyaya Amrit.

The RCD, which had assigned IL&FS Infrastructure Development Corporation (IIDC) Limited to carry out the project development activities for the 21-km-long expressway from Digha Ghat (near the upcoming rail-cum-road bridge) up to Deedarganj, has suggested three options for developing the expressway.

The options are to develop the expressway on build operate and transfer (toll) basis for a concession period of 30 years, on BOT (annuity) basis for a concession period of 15 years and on commercial development on reclaimed land parcels.

The project foresees an increase in two-wheelers by 7.20 per cent between 2009 and 2013, 9.60 per cent between 2014 and 2018; cars by 6 per cent (2009-13) and 8 per cent (2014-18); bus by 5.75 per cent (2009-13) and 7.60 per cent (2014-18).

Going by the traffic growth rate, the IIDC has suggested that the project could be developed with revenue from commercial development on reclaimed parcels.

The total reclaimed land for the purpose would be 240 hectares, of which 100 hectares could be used for commercial development.

RCD sources said the commercial growth would comprise development of offices, retail shops, shopping malls, residential, entertainment and recreational facilities.

The proposed expressway, now to be known as the Ganga Driveway, will have a major artery providing accessibility to Patna City with intermediate and two-lane undivided carriageway so as to accommodate mixed traffic.

An eco-township is to be developed too and interchanges at the new bridge coming up near Digha, Mahatma Gandhi Setu, other city arterials at suitable locations and connectivity with NH 30 near Deedarganj. Of the 20.75 km proposed stretch, 7.6 km could be an elevated highway while 13.15 km stretch would have to be embanked. Of the total estimated 999,573 square metres to be developed, 99957 square metres are to be sold according to one option while 249,893 square metres could be developed for residential use, 299,872 square metres for commercial purposes, 49,979 for amenities, 299,872 square metres for parks, roads and open spaces.