Kankarbagh, Patna

Kankarbagh is one of the most important localities in Bihar’s capital city of Patna. Its PIN code is 800020. Kankarbagh is considered to be one of the largest residential localities in Asia. The city was established and today sprawls over an area of 900 acres. The vast land of Kankarbagh expands from Panch Shiv Mandir in the west to Kumrahar in the east. Alluding to its original terrain, a rough translation of its name is ‘The Garden of Stones’.

The locality today boasts a modern infrastructure which offers all the necessary facilities to its residents. The sprawling and thriving housing locality of Kankarbagh is complemented by its commercially active neighbourhoods. Top-notch educational and healthcare facilities, robust connectivity, a well-connected public transport framework and a host of recreational facilities make it a sought-after area. To top it off, Kankarbagh has a strong framework for sports and athletic opportunities. 

Kankarbagh is located in Patna, which lends it several strategic benefits. Culturally, being a part of Patna makes Kankarbagh a carrier of the spiritual teachings of Gautum Buddha. Foundations for the upcoming Patna metro have already been laid, and several other new developments ensure a prosperous future for Patna’s Kankarbagh region

What’s Good versus What Can Be Better

Physical Infrastructure & Livability Index 

Kankarbagh boasts the biggest residential colony in India. Its housing scene is marked by a vast range of options. From premium housing to affordable living and high rises to standalone homes, residents have multiple options to choose from. All the civic amenities like utility supply, and proximity to local markets, are aptly provided for the residents of this area. Added to that, the solid network of educational institutes and healthcare facilities within the locality multiplies its residential appeal multifolds. 

Industrially as well as commercially, Kankarnbagh is a thriving locality. Being located in Bihar’s capital city of Patna lends easy access to flourishing economic landscapes. This offers multiple employment and professional opportunities to the city’s youth. Additionally, close proximity to the Patliputra Industrial Area also makes it a favourable locality for businesses and professionals. 

On the transportation front, several internal roads ensure smooth commutes within the locality and also outside it. BRSTC buses, auto rickshaws, and local cabs make up the area’s public transport framework. With the coming of the Patna Metro, daily commutes will be even more simplified. The metro is under construction stages and is expected to operate from 2025. 

A highlighting aspect of Kankarbagh’s infrastructure is the presence of competent sports facilities. The Patliputra Sports Complex, for instance, hosts a variety of sports activities and has been the venue for the Pro Kabaddi League home matches of the Patna Pirates, among other events. Apart from that, shopping complexes, recreational centres and public parks provide an additional edge to the locality. 

Social Infrastructure- Restaurants

The vibrant eating joints of Kankarbagh offer the full range of Bihari flavours along with numerous other cuisines. Here are some of the most popular restaurants in this locality. 

• Vani’s Kitchen
• Four Seasons Restaurant
• Tondumal Cafe & Restaurants
• Bon Pizza
• Ananya tuEater Cafe
• The Downtown Cafe
• Wat a Burger
• The Lady Don- A Family Restaurant 
• Ganga’s Food Paradise Inn

Banks/ Metro Stations/ Airport/ Bus Terminal/ Railway Stations/ Parks

Banks & ATMs

• Bank of India
• ICICI Bank
• Indian Bank
• Canara Bank
• Dena Bank
• SBI ATM
• PNB ATM
• HDFC Bank ATM

Metro & Railway Station

• Patna Junction Railway Station
• Rajendra Nagar Terminal
• Sachiwalay Halt
• Parsa Bazar Railway Station

Bus Terminals

• Kankarbagh Autostand Bus Stop
• Malahi Pakri Bus Stop
• Hanuman Nagar Bus Stop
• Sai Baba Mandir Bus Stop
• Khemnichak Bus Stop
• Rajendra Nagar Terminal Bus Stop
• Madhuban Colony Bus Stop

Airport

• Jaiprakash Narayan International Airport

Public Parks 

• MIG Park
• Lohiya Park
• Fanishwar Nath Renu Park
• Hanuman Nagar MIG Park
• Manju Devi Sinha Park
• Sardar Patel Park
• Amrit Yojna Park
• Patna Family Park

Popular Roads in Kankarbagh

The following roads simplify inter and intra-district commutes for the people living in Patna’s Kankarbagh.

1. Patna-Parsa-Siwan Highway: The highway is a major route for this locality’s residents. It primarily connects to the Patna Junction railway station and the Patna Airport. The highway offers two main advantages. Firstly, it helps people from nearby localities and states comfortably visit Kankarbagh. Secondly, it efficiently assists in reducing heavy traffic within the city.
2. Kankarbagh Old Bypass Road: The road is a significant passage for interdistrict travel in Kankarbagh. The various residential and commercial pockets of this locality are seamlessly connected by the old bypass road. 
3. National Highway-22: A small portion of the NH-22 is connected to the southern outskirts of this locality. This highway connects the city of Patna to Chandwa in Jharkhand. The highway also connects it to other areas in Bihar, such as Sitamarhi, Muzaffarpur, Hajipur, Patna, Punpun and Gaya.
4. Regional Roads: Various other roads like Kankarbagh Main Road, PC COlony Road, Shivaji Park Gate Road and Kankarbagh Colony Road are spread throughout the city to facilitate easy movement of goods and people. 

Nearby Localities to Kankarbagh

How Do People Rate Kankarbagh

Patna’s Kankarbagh area has garnered an average overall rating of 3.8/5. The rating implies that life in this locality is a mix of positives and negatives. While there are many advantages, Kankarbagh also falls short in certain aspects. On the brighter side, connectivity, lifestyle and sporting facilities are the major strengths of this locality. It’s also a very sizable locality. Everything that one expects out of a residential neighbourhood, like daily necessities, utilities and nearby schools, is aptly provided for in Kankarbagh.

As far as drawbacks are concerned, poor safety and an unclean environment are regular complaints in this area. Added to that, the area is heavily crowded. This brings in its fair share of concerns, ranging from traffic jams to parking issues and more. 

How to Visit Kankarbagh

Here are the major road, rail and air routes that offer easy commutes from nearby cities and states to Patna’s Kankarbagh.

By Road

The BRSTC bus services connect people from nearby localities to this area. While visitors from other states can enter Patna through respective highways and be led further by the arterial roads into Kankarbagh. 

By Rail

The Rajendra Nagar Terminal (2.6 km) and Patna Junction (4.4 km) are the closest railway stations to this locality. 

By Air

Jayprakash Narayan International Airport (9.4 km) is the closest airport to Kankarbagh. People coming in via domestic or international flights can easily commute from the airport to the locality using a taxi. 

Places to Visit in Kankarbagh

Buddha Smriti Park

The expansive Buddha Smriti Park was inaugurated in 2010 and lies just a few kilometres away from Kankarbagh. The memorial pays homage to the life and teachings of Gautam Buddha. A central stupa surrounded by vast and plush gardens immediately attracts people toward it. The meditation pavilions interspersed throughout the complex infuse the atmosphere with tranquillity and peace. The Patliputra Karuna Stupa houses the holy relics of Buddha, making this park a revered and sought-after pilgrimage site.

Mahavir Mandir

For worshippers of Lord Hanuman, the Mahavir Mandir is a revered temple in Patna. Hundreds of people from Kankarbagh and other localities frequently visit the temple in search of the divine’s blessings. Roughly 20-30 minutes away from Kankarbagh, the temple opens early in the morning for darshans. The devotional scenes at the temple, featuring aartis and prayers, are testaments to the undying faith of Patna’s people.  

Gandhi Maidan

The iconic Gandhi Maidan has been a part of several political rallies and public movements and resultantly, a striking energy permeates the aura of this vast ground. Mahatma Gandhi delivered some of his most famous speeches on this ground. The many government institutions and historic landmarks present around the maidan significantly heighten its social stature. Architecturally, the stunning expanse of the park houses the world’s tallest bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi. 

Golghar

The much talked about and unique granary, Golghar, is only 6-8 kilometres from Kankarbagh. Erected in 1786 by Captain John Garstin for the British Army, this beehive-shaped structure offers panoramic views of the city and the Ganges River from its summit. Back like a stupa, the interiors of the granary can be entered by ascending its 145-step spiral staircase. Golghar is a must visit, especially for architectural enthusiasts and history lovers. 

Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park

Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park, fondly known as Patna Zoo, is a verdant retreat for the people living in Kankarbagh. Originally established as a botanical garden in 1969, it was opened to the public as a zoo in 1973. The ecological haven houses over 800 animals across 110 species, including tigers, leopards, and rhinoceros. On the flora fund, the biological park houses 300 species of trees, herbs, and shrubs. The park is open to visitors from 5 am to 6 pm. 

Locality Comparison

Kankarbagh is surrounded by Ashok Nagar, Rajendra Nagar, BH Colony and Bahadurpur Bagicha, among other localities. The locality holds up favourably against other neighbourhoods. Ashok Nagar, for instance, serves as a bustling commercial centre with easy access to a wide customer base and high population density. Much like Kankarbagh, BH Colony and Bahadurpur Bagicha also offers sprawling residential facilities to its residents. The good thing is that people living in Kankarbagh can easily access all these and many more neighbouring localities without any hassle.

Concluding Remarks

Kankarbagh, a vibrant locality, is known for its residential offerings. It flaunts the title of being one of Asia's largest housing localities and stands up to its reputation. With prospering developments, modern infrastructure and bustling social life, Kankarbagh is already thriving. The many new developmental projects hint at a bright future for the people living in this locality.