Patna: In preparation for the construction of 22 metro stations across the city, authorities have initiated plans to establish new parking facilities near these stations. The first major step in this effort is the development of a smart parking system at Patna Junction, designed to accommodate 2,000 vehicles.
At present, the existing railway land at Patna Junction provides parking space for 3,000 vehicles. With the addition of the new facility, the total parking capacity will increase to 5,000.
Modern Parking Solutions at Mithapur
According to railway officials, another parking facility is being developed in Mithapur, which will be linked to the main parking at Patna Junction. The new parking area will be equipped with modern features, including electronic displays to indicate availability. If one parking lot reaches full capacity, vehicles will be redirected to alternative spaces. These improvements are expected to significantly benefit commuters using both rail and metro services.
24-Hour Parking with Online Booking
The smart parking at Patna Junction will be designed with dedicated turning spaces in each lane, ensuring smooth traffic flow. Each lane will have a predefined vehicle capacity, and exceeding this limit will not be permitted.
To ease congestion, an online booking system will be introduced. Commuters will be able to book a parking space before leaving home. Upon arrival, they will need to provide their booking number to access their reserved space. If spaces remain available, vehicles without prior booking will also be accommodated.
Security Measures: CCTV Installation
To enhance security, the smart parking facilities will be equipped with CCTV cameras. Currently, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) monitors the area using its own cameras. However, under the new system, the agency responsible for managing the smart parking will be required to install additional security cameras. Around 10 cameras will be placed in each parking area, with approximately 30 cameras monitoring three parking lots.
Integration with Multi-Modal Parking and Metro Network
The new parking system at Patna Junction will be integrated with the multi-modal parking facility being developed near New Market. Plans are also in place to connect this facility to the Patna Metro network. Commuters will be able to park their vehicles and use the metro for onward travel, improving last-mile connectivity.
The multi-modal parking, a key component of the Smart City project, is expected to be operational by February. It will feature parking space for 225 cars on both the first and second floors, further enhancing urban mobility in Patna.
