Chirag Gupta
Patna: District officials, including the District Magistrate, Senior Superintendent of Police, and Municipal Commissioner, discussed strategies for managing Patna’s growing traffic issues during a meeting held in the Collectorate. Several new measures were approved to address congestion, especially near City Center Mall and on major roads.
Beginning Sunday, September 22, traffic near City Center Mall will be one-way, with vehicles exiting towards the new police station and proceeding either to Gandhi Maidan or the Rajapur Bridge. Commercial vehicle movement will be restricted along Buddha Marg, with private and commercial vehicles being diverted through alternative routes, including TN Banerjee Marg and Ashok Rajpath. The authorities have directed the installation of public signage and the widening of roads in front of the mall to improve traffic flow.
Encroachment and illegal weed removal near City Center Mall were also ordered, with replanting to be overseen by the Forest Division Officer. To ensure smooth traffic, coordination between traffic officials and City Center Mall management will be established. A multi-member committee has also been formed to tackle traffic issues on major routes such as Atal Path and JP Gangapath. This committee will focus on road safety by identifying black spots and suggesting structural changes like U-turns, CCTV installations, and road widening.
In an effort to reduce vehicle pressure during peak hours, new restrictions will be imposed on Chirayatand Bridge and Nala Road, banning commercial goods vehicles from 5 pm to 8 pm. Similar restrictions will also apply to Machhua Toli and Hathua Market during busy hours.
Representatives from e-rickshaw and auto rickshaw associations were also consulted, with the District Magistrate assuring them that their concerns regarding zone determination and color coding would be addressed in coordination with the government and transport officers.
