Patna, Oct. 3: The state government had a lofty gift for the people of the city on the first day of Durga Puja — a 1.2-km-long railway overbridge that will connect the GPO roundabout with the Karbighaiya end of Mithapur bus stand.

Chief minister Nitish Kumar today inaugurated the overbridge built at an estimated cost of Rs 188 crore, of which Rs 138 crore has been provided by the state government.

The bridge is expected to ensure smooth traffic movement and ease pressure on Chiraiyatand bridge.

The construction of the Mithapur railway overbridge has been completed after six years. The new connector will ease traffic in the southern and western flanks of Patna.

The new bridge will also ensure smooth traffic flow at Dakbungalow roundabout, Exhibition Road, Frazer Road and Patna Junction roundabout.

As soon as the bridge was thrown open for the public, bikes, cars, autos and other vehicles made their way in.

One Sunil Kumar said: “The bridge is like a boon to me as I stay on the bypass and have to travel for almost 1.5 hours everyday. The bridge will help me cover the same distance in just 20 minutes. Instead of crossing the Exhibition Road- Dakbungalow traffic signal, I will directly take a turn from the planetarium traffic signal and reach home in 20 minutes.”

The bridge would also provide relief to those affected by the Mithapur railway crossing.

People would no longer face traffic jams at places like the Patna Junction roundabout. Residents staying at Kankerbagh would benefit the maximum from the bridge.

Prakash Kumar, a biker using the bridge, said: “I stay in Kankerbagh and work at Bailey Road. Everyday, I have to get up at 7am to reach office on time because I have to cross five to six crossings. Now, I have to pass just three. So you can understand the relief it has given me. I thank the state government and the railways for providing this service.”

Road construction department secretary Pratyaya Amrit said: “The railway overbridge has been constructed in the heart of the city on busy markets with least inconvenience to the public in terms of acquisition of private and public property. The construction has been planned after a proper diversion of traffic. This will not only make the roads smooth but will also provide an opportunity to get a difference experience altogether.

Road construction minister Nand Kishore Yadav said: “It is a gift to the people of Bihar on the auspicious occasion of Dussehra and I hope it will provide improve traffic movement in the city.”

Nitish planted a sapling at a new park at Karbighaiya side of the bridge. The park will also be used for production of bio-fertilisers.