Marine Drive vendors in Patna seek return as relocation plan sparks dispute

Patna: The Marine Drive along the J P Ganga Path was once a bustling hub known for its vibrant nightlife. Over the past six months, however, the area has lost much of its charm after vendors were barred from setting up their stalls there following orders from higher authorities. The fast-food vendors who once brought the stretch to life went on a seven-day strike, demanding restoration of their space. Many of them are now in debt and have no alternative source of income. Civic bodies have assured them that a new vending zone will be developed near Digha Golambar, but the proposal remains in the planning stage.

Raman Kumar Nirala, vice president of the J P Ganga Path Street Vendors’ Association, said, “Customers will not go to that location,” referring to the vending site proposed by the Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) near Digha Golambar. He added, “We do not have any option but to abide by whatever the authorities offer, but the area is approximately 18 ft below the J P Ganga Path. People will not be able to enjoy the view from there; hence, there will be no footfall. Moreover, the area is dirty, with open drainage, and will take a long time to set up. How do we earn and make a living in the meantime?”


Nirala also alleged that the authorities had promised to hand over shops by Feb 14. He said while a peaceful protest was underway, police arrived on the night of Feb 13 and damaged their tents. Association president Manish Kant, along with other members, formally submitted a grievance letter to several civic bodies seeking intervention.

PMC commissioner Yashpal Meena said, “They have been given a better location with all upcoming facilities.”

PMC spokesperson Priya Saurabh added, “The levelling work already started and we are trying to get the location ready for the vendors to shift as soon as possible because we are also looking out for them and their needs.”

The administration has proposed locating the vending zone between Atal Path and the railway line near Digha Golambar. Officials informed the vendors that the site would be levelled within 10 days and would include infrastructure such as roads, electricity, water and toilets. The PMC plans to clear 55,000 sq ft of land currently under encroachment to accommodate 280 shopkeepers. The project also includes a foot overbridge, parking facilities and lighting. Until the new zone is ready, vendors will either remain on the riverbank or stay out of work.

Sudhir Paswan, who operated a stall at the main site for four years, said, “The business was booming back in the day. We earned up to Rs 30,000 a month, and now we are all running in debt.”

After being barred from Marine Drive, many vendors shifted to the riverbanks. However, the relocation proved challenging due to sand and dust from passing vehicles.

The vendors had earlier been allegedly promised 500 prefabricated shops under a Patna Smart City Limited project. After 200 shops were constructed, they were handed over to Jeevika Didis as the design was not approved for the Ganga Path. At present, around five open modular shops have been built as prototypes at Marine Drive, but vendors claim they were informed that these would be allocated to larger brands.