The city is set to have quality hangout zones to unwind.

The four spots selected for being developed as hangout zones during the meeting under the chairmanship of chief secretary Anjani Kumar Singh in the past week include Veer Kunwar Singh Azadi Park, Gandhi Maidan, the Patna Junction-New Market area and Bailey Road.

The Telegraph presents a brief outline on preliminary plans of the state government to provide new hangout spots.

Overhaul of park

Veer Kunwar Singh Azadi Park

Potential: Located on either side of Hardinge Road. Amenities include jogging track, stone statue, water fountain, sitting area and benches

Vision: “BUIDCo is working on the infrastructure development from October 2012. It was decided in the meeting that the forests and environment department would look after its development and maintenance,” said forest department principal secretary Vivek Kumar Singh.

Redevelopment of Station Market area

Patna Junction-New Market area

Potential: Total 6.46 acres of land on either side of Station Road is clogged and poorly developed. Once developed, it could provide a perfect hangout zone and shopping destination

Vision: BUIDCo’s detailed project report envisages development of two commercial complexes on the northern side of Station Road. An autorickshaw and bus stand is also proposed to be developed close to the multi-level parking facility under construction. The plan envisages development of open spaces and green areas.

Green touch to Maidan

Gandhi Maidan

Potential: Six-acre area visited by 1,000 to 2,000 people daily. Some come to take walks, others utilise the space to indulge in sports and games. A few use the sylvan setting for yoga

Vision: Ganga Kumar, managing director, Bihar State Building Construction Corporation Limited, said the department had carried out some development works at Gandhi Maidan. Chief secretary Anjani Kumar Singh directed officials to improve the drainage network and avoid too much construction activities.

Development of arterial road

Bailey Road

Potential: Almost 10-km-long road runs through heart of the city. It is dotted by trees on either side at most stretches. It also has 24x7 Wi-Fi connectivity

Vision: “It was decided that except the stretches where road constructions are proposed or going on at present, the forest department should undertake massive plantation exercise. We are also contemplating putting benches alongside the road. It was also decided that BUIDCo would support the project management unit and assist divisional forest officer, Patna, in the development works,” said Vivek.