Patna: Patna district is set for a major overhaul of its transport facilities after a high-level meeting chaired by District Magistrate (DM) Dr Tyagarajan SM on Thursday. The meeting, held in the Collectorate conference hall, focused on the smooth operation of Patliputra Bus Terminal (PBT) in Bairia and improving passenger services. Representatives from bus and auto unions were present and shared their suggestions.
The DM issued strict instructions to the Additional District Magistrate (Urban Administration) to run a continuous campaign to remove encroachments from PBT to Bairia, Pahadi and Zero Mile to ensure smooth traffic flow. To tackle the growing problem of congestion, the District Transport Officer and Traffic Police Deputy Superintendent were ordered to conduct regular raids and take action against illegal parking, particularly at Masaurhi turn and Zero Mile. The DM also directed that all toilets, urinals, drinking water points and bathrooms in the terminal be repaired and kept functional at all times for passengers’ convenience.
During the meeting, the PBT Manager-cum-Secretary presented a detailed report on bus operations, cleanliness, drinking water and toilet availability, driver dormitory maintenance, CCTV surveillance and pending works. The DM stressed that bus operations should take place only from designated places and ordered strict action against unauthorized halts. He also called for clear display boards, inquiry counters and fare charts to be installed so passengers have easy access to information.
In a major step towards terminal expansion, the District Land Acquisition Officer and PBT Secretary were instructed to speed up the acquisition of five acres of additional land. This land will be used to build new parking spaces, toilets and drinking water facilities. The DM also ordered that a modern fuel station be set up on 3,000 square metres of land to support the terminal’s growing needs. Notices will be issued to remove 15 abandoned buses from the terminal premises within two days.
The meeting was attended by key officials including the Deputy Development Commissioner, Additional Municipal Commissioner, Sub-divisional Officer of Patna Sadar and City, District Transport Officer, PESU General Manager, representatives of bus and auto associations and members of other organisations. The administration said these steps would make PBT safer, cleaner and more efficient for the thousands of passengers who use it daily.
