Transport secretary announces five new FOBs soon

28 Mar 2024 CW Team

The decision regarding the construction of these FoBs was made during the Bihar Road Safety Council meeting, which was chaired by the state transport secretary, Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, held on Saturday. The primary objective behind this decision is to combat the rising number of road accidents in the state capital and to facilitate safer road crossings for pedestrians.

Agarwal stated that the occurrence of road accidents often stems from the inadequate pedestrian facilities along Nehru Marg (Bailey Road). He mentioned that discussions were held with relevant officials to identify suitable locations for the construction of FoBs. Additionally, there was an emphasis on the installation of a lift on the foot overbridge near Patna Women?s College to enhance convenience for pedestrians.

Approval for the budget required for the construction of these FoBs and underpasses was granted during a recent meeting of the Bihar Road Safety Council. To expedite the process, the secretary instructed the road construction department and BSRDCL to promptly prepare cost estimates and designs for the proposed foot overbridges. Once the estimates are received, further steps will be taken, including seeking clearance from the Election Commission upon submission of the designs.

Agarwal also mentioned that joint inspections of roads and intersections will be conducted, and any issues will be addressed through the Bihar Road Safety Council. The responsibility for maintaining the lift and covering the electricity expenses will lie with the Patna Municipal Corporation.

Five additional foot overbridges (FoBs) are set to be erected in the city with the aim of ensuring pedestrian safety, thereby allowing individuals to traverse busy roads and high-speed corridors securely, without having to risk their lives by stepping onto the streets. These elevated structures are planned for installation at various locations including Punaichak, Patna Zoo (gate number 1), Planetarium, Kankarbagh, and between Saguna Mor and Danapur. The decision regarding the construction of these FoBs was made during the Bihar Road Safety Council meeting, which was chaired by the state transport secretary, Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, held on Saturday. The primary objective behind this decision is to combat the rising number of road accidents in the state capital and to facilitate safer road crossings for pedestrians. Agarwal stated that the occurrence of road accidents often stems from the inadequate pedestrian facilities along Nehru Marg (Bailey Road). He mentioned that discussions were held with relevant officials to identify suitable locations for the construction of FoBs. Additionally, there was an emphasis on the installation of a lift on the foot overbridge near Patna Women?s College to enhance convenience for pedestrians. Approval for the budget required for the construction of these FoBs and underpasses was granted during a recent meeting of the Bihar Road Safety Council. To expedite the process, the secretary instructed the road construction department and BSRDCL to promptly prepare cost estimates and designs for the proposed foot overbridges. Once the estimates are received, further steps will be taken, including seeking clearance from the Election Commission upon submission of the designs. Agarwal also mentioned that joint inspections of roads and intersections will be conducted, and any issues will be addressed through the Bihar Road Safety Council. The responsibility for maintaining the lift and covering the electricity expenses will lie with the Patna Municipal Corporation.

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