Patna: Chief minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday said the population of Patna will shoot up to 60 lakh by 2031 and the state government was considering all steps to ensure a smooth flow of traffic and easy commuting by people.

"Everyday, lakhs of people come to the city from outside," Nitish said. "The population of Patna mahanagar (metropolis) will cross 60 lakh. We are considering all aspects related to commuting. We are assessing the feasibility of having a flyover that will go over the Patna Bypass (New Bypass) to ensure direct connectivity with national highway. A new bus terminal, at par with international standards, is being built and a flyover will be constructed to facilitate smooth transit to Patna Junction."

He was speaking after inaugurating the Station Road flyover between Mithapur road over bridge (ROB) and Chiraiyatand flyover.

Patna's population is over 20 lakh with a few lakh more commuting to Patna from adjoining rural areas and districts everyday to work.

"The population and number of vehicles is rising and we are gearing up to provide better facilities to the people. We are providing resources and the concerned department is vigilant," Nitish said.

He also said a civilian airport is being developed at Bihta, 40km west of Patna, for which the state government has provided land. "We are discussing the construction of a long flyover between Patna and Bihta to ensure better connectivity between Patna and the new airport," Nitish said.

Deputy chief minister Sushil Kumar Modi, road construction minister Nand Kishore Yadav, actor and MP Shatrughan Sinha and several legislators were present.