Patna: In a high-level review meeting on urban management, Commissioner of Patna Division Dr Chandrashekhar Singh issued strict directives to ensure smooth traffic flow, removal of encroachments, and full CCTV coverage across Patna city. The meeting, held at the Commissioner’s office on June 13, was attended by key officials including District Magistrate Dr Tyagarajan S M, Superintendent of Police (Traffic) Aparajit Lohan, and officers from municipal, forest, and electricity departments.
Dr Chandrashekhar emphasised that any negligence in implementing decisions aimed at public convenience would not be tolerated and warned of disciplinary and legal consequences. He highlighted the large-scale infrastructure work undertaken in Patna—such as new bridges, roads, flyovers, and double-decker parking zones—and directed officials to ensure their optimal use for public benefit.
A major point of concern was the state of the old multi-level parking near Buddha Smriti Park. The Commissioner expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of basic public amenities despite an earlier directive to renovate the facility. He gave a 15-day deadline to install toilets, drinking water stations, clean washrooms, and proper lighting. He also criticised the delay in linking the parking facility with the newly constructed multi-modal hub near Patna Junction via a subway. The Bihar State Bridge Construction Corporation and Patna Smart City Limited were ordered to expedite the work.
Representatives from auto and e-rickshaw associations present at the meeting voiced concerns over space allocation and lack of basic facilities. Dr Chandrashekhar directed officials to mark designated lanes for autos and e-rickshaws on the ground floor of the multi-modal hub and to involve stakeholders in planning and feedback.
The Commissioner instructed the Municipal Executive Officer of the Nutan Rajdhani Zone and the Additional District Magistrate (Urban Administration) to conduct sustained anti-encroachment drives. City Magistrates and Deputy Superintendents of Police were tasked with follow-up and regular patrols, especially near the old parking complex and other sensitive zones like JP Ganga Path, IGIMS, AIIMS, and Patna Junction.
Dr Chandrashekhar also highlighted the urgent need for complete CCTV coverage in the city. Patna Smart City officials reported that 3,357 cameras have been installed at 415 locations, but 650 more are needed at 197 locations to achieve full coverage. The Commissioner directed immediate functional checks and upgrades of existing CCTV infrastructure, including at police stations and key traffic junctions. He further mandated installation at all entry and exit points, including Sabhyata Dwar, Kangan Ghat, and Didarganj.
He announced plans to personally inspect the old multi-level parking and multi-modal hub soon. “If deficiencies are found, strict action will be taken,” he warned.
In closing, Dr Chandrashekhar stressed the need for better signage, especially around Patna Junction Golambar, and regular communication between officials and stakeholders to ensure effective urban management.
