Residents of Muzaffarpur can expect a smooth ride from Akharaghat to Lakdi Dhahi Chowk over the Budhi Gandak with the state approving construction of a 2-km-long bypass along the stretch.

The bypass would be constructed as part of the Mukhyamantri Samekit Shahari Vikas Yojana, a scheme that aims at integrated development at small and medium towns in the state.

District magistrate (DM) Santosh Kumar Mall had recommended the construction of the bypass with an aim to lessen traffic congestion on Akharaghat Road.

He said people coming from Minapur, Aurai, Katra, Bochahan, Gai Ghat, Darbhanga, Sitamarhi and Sheohar would be able enter the town using the proposed bypass.

“The financial and technical nod from chief minister Nitish Kumar to the construction of the bypass came last week. The bypass would include a 40-m bridge,” Mall said on Sunday.

District planning officer Nirmala Kumari said the 2-km bypass, which would be 5-m wide, would have green plantations on both sides.

“The forest department has been requested to make an on-the-spot inspection of the bypass sites for chalking out details related to the plantation. The link road of the bypass on both the ends will also be made concrete,” she said, adding the construction work would begin within a month.

The state government has directed the road construction department to make a video of the construction work and ensure that the quality was maintained at any cost.

It has set a year-and-a- half deadline for the project from the date of its commencement.

District planning officer Kumari said sub-divisional magistrate (east) Rajesh Bharti and deputy superintendent of police (city) Upendra Yadav have been requested to remove the encroachments along the existing site of the proposed bypass.