The construction of the flyover between Sheikhpura Mor and Jagdeo Path Mor over Bailey Road formally started on Monday after chief minister Nitish Kumar laid its foundation stone.

The 2.275-km flyover would be 25m wide and would have four lanes. It would be designed in such a way that the pillars would take minimum road space.

“The population of Patna is increasing. High-rises and big buildings have been constructed on both sides of the (Bailey) road. Keeping traffic issues in mind, I welcome the road construction department’s decision to construct this flyover,” Nitish said at the stone-laying ceremony of the flyover to be built at an estimated price of Rs 170 crore.

He said: “The traffic has increased several times on this stretch. Under such circumstances, it becomes necessary to construct flyovers to keep the pressure of traffic under control. The flyover will be a big relief for the people of our city.”

Sporting a construction cap, Nitish pressed the button of the drilling machine while laying the foundation stone. He allayed fears of small stall owners and said the flyover, expected to be complete by 2014, would not affect their business.

“I asked for a thorough research on this issue and it came to light that nobody would be affected by this flyover. In fact, it will make things comfortable for them,” he said.

Nitish also announced the construction of a flyover connecting Mithapur and Chiraiyatand flyovers.

He added: “Patna should develop in a planned way. The government is working hard and in the next Assembly session, the government will introduce the proposal.”

Road construction department minister Nand Kishore Yadav was present on the occasion among other dignitaries.