Patna: Senior officials in Patna, including District Magistrate Dr Chandrashekhar Singh, Senior Superintendent of Police Avkash Kumar, and Municipal Commissioner Animesh Kumar Parashar, convened a review meeting on Monday to assess traffic management, encroachment removal, civic amenities, and the city’s beautification initiatives. The meeting, held at the Collectorate, focused on both short-term and long-term strategies for the city’s development.
Traffic and Parking Solutions Near Patna Junction
One of the key points discussed was the Patna Junction area, a major public transport hub, where work is underway to develop a Multi-Modal Hub under the Patna Smart City Mission. The project includes two multi-level parking facilities near Buddha Smriti Park and Patna Railway Junction, aimed at easing congestion. These parking lots will be equipped with travelators and other facilities to improve accessibility.
To ensure smooth traffic movement in the area, a multi-member sub-committee has been formed under the Superintendent of Police (Traffic). The committee includes officials from the Road Construction Department, Bridge Construction Corporation, District Transport Office, and additional district magistrates. Their role is to inspect the area, engage with stakeholders, and propose measures to improve traffic flow.
Encroachment Removal and Riverfront Development
The administration has decided to intensify its encroachment removal drive from Digha to Kangan Ghat. The district magistrate reiterated that unsurveyed land on the banks of the Ganga cannot be claimed by individuals and that, as per the National Green Tribunal and Supreme Court directives, no structures can be built in these areas. Fencing work will be carried out by the Forest Department, while beautification projects, including tree plantations, will be undertaken by various civic agencies.
Encroachments along JP Gangapath are also being targeted, with strict measures being put in place to curb unauthorised vending. The Patna Smart City Limited is working on a riverfront development plan, which includes designated parking spaces, a green belt, a pedestrian pathway, and vending zones from Digha to LCT Ghat. A no-vending zone of 100 meters around Digha Rotary (where Atal Path meets JP Gangapath) has been designated, with a vending zone under construction 1.2 km from JP Gangapath’s northern end to Kurji Ghat.
Enhanced Traffic Surveillance and Smart City Integration
The administration is working on smart traffic management by integrating high-tech surveillance systems across Patna. The district magistrate emphasised the importance of sign boards, public address systems, vehicle speed detection, and automatic number plate recognition in managing traffic effectively.
Currently, over 3,300 CCTV cameras have been installed at 415 locations under the Patna Smart City Limited project. This includes:
- 2,602 CCTV surveillance cameras
- 473 Red Light Violation Detection (RLVD) cameras
- Implementation of Intelligent Traffic Management Systems (ITMS), including speed violation detection, environmental sensors, and an adaptive traffic control system.
A three-member committee, led by the Superintendent of Police (Traffic) and including sub-divisional officers and additional district magistrates, is actively monitoring urban areas to enhance civic amenities and ensure smooth traffic operations.
A Vision for a Cleaner, Safer Patna
The district magistrate emphasised the administration’s commitment to modernising Patna, describing the city as the gateway to eastern and northeastern India. He stated that efficient traffic systems and infrastructure would contribute to economic growth, public safety, and an improved standard of living.
“Ensuring public safety is our shared responsibility,” he said, highlighting the role of CCTV-based surveillance and traffic automation in creating a well-regulated urban environment.
