Patna: Authorities have implemented new restrictions on the entry of heavy vehicles along the Patna AIIMS to New Bypass route following severe traffic congestion over the past four days. Traffic Superintendent Aparajit Lohan announced that heavy vehicles will now be permitted on this route only between 12 midnight and 3 am, reducing the earlier eight-hour entry window.
The decision comes after complaints of persistent morning traffic jams, which left local residents, school buses, and even ambulances stuck in long queues. The previous entry time, from 10 pm to 6 am, had led to a significant increase in vehicle pressure during the early hours, with heavy vehicles failing to clear the route before peak traffic began.
Key Adjustments and Exceptions
Under the revised guidelines, the entry of trucks and other heavy vehicles will be restricted to a three-hour window. Essential service vehicles, including tank lorries, fuel supply trucks, milk carriers, ambulances, fire engines, and hearses, are exempt from these restrictions.
Traffic SP Aparajit Lohan emphasized that the changes were necessary to ease the burden on key intersections, including Phulwarisharif, Anisabad, and Beur, which connect to the New Bypass. If the new timings fail to alleviate congestion, the administration may consider a complete 24-hour ban on heavy vehicles along this stretch.
Four Days of Gridlock
The decision follows weeks of complaints from commuters. For the last four days, heavy vehicles entering the route at 6 am caused severe traffic disruptions, particularly near hospitals such as AIIMS Patna, Mahavir Cancer Sansthan, Imarat-e-Shariya Hospital, and Phulwari Community Hospital. The situation worsened on Tuesday when school buses and emergency vehicles were caught in a standstill.
Lohan reiterated that the measures are a response to the repeated grievances of commuters, adding, “The entry time has been adjusted to provide immediate relief. However, if traffic jams persist, stricter action will follow.”
Alternative Routes for Heavy Vehicles
To further ease congestion, heavy vehicles are being directed to use the Bihta-Sarmera road during the day. Traffic officials hope this will help manage the growing pressure on the AIIMS-New Bypass corridor, one of the busiest routes in Patna.
The new measures aim to bring relief to commuters while ensuring essential services remain uninterrupted. Traffic authorities will monitor the situation closely and adjust policies as needed.
