Patna: The Road Construction Department on September 12 held a high-level event on “Traffic Congestion Management and Solutions” to discuss measures aimed at improving traffic flow and road safety in the city.
The event, held at the department’s auditorium in Vishveshvaraiya Bhawan, was chaired by department secretary Pankaj Kumar Pal. Former CRRI director and former IIT Bombay professor P.K. Sikdar and Venkata Chunduru, country head of India operations at Arcadis IBI Group, participated as keynote speakers.
Focus On Key Congestion Points
Officials and experts discussed Patna’s traffic challenges in the context of its geography, population growth, increasing vehicle numbers, encroachments and traffic regulations.
The meeting examined congestion and traffic pressure at several major locations, including Dak Bungalow, Patna Junction Road, GPO Roundabout, Exhibition Road, Boring Road, Gandhi Maidan, PMCH, Ashok Rajpath, Saguna Mor, Anisabad and Bailey Road. Road accident risks were also discussed.
AI-Based Traffic Management Proposed
A technical draft titled “Mission Sugam Patna: ASTraM and SOS”, prepared by Arcadis, was presented during the event. It outlined technology-based measures using artificial intelligence, data analytics and integrated platforms.
One proposal involves creating an “intelligence layer” by making greater use of the existing Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) infrastructure. The system could use AI models to predict traffic congestion 30–60 minutes in advance and automatically adjust traffic signals and diversions.
The plan also proposes geofencing, virtual stands and scheduling to regulate unplanned stopping by e-rickshaws and auto-rickshaws near railway stations and markets.
Accident Response And Road Capacity
The proposed measures include AI-based accident detection, alerts to nearby ambulances and the creation of “Green Corridors” to help transport accident victims to hospitals within 10 minutes.
The department also discussed increasing effective road width by identifying unauthorised roadside parking and encroachments.
Another proposal focuses on managing traffic during rain and waterlogging. Advance alerts could be used to divert vehicles to alternative routes while keeping emergency services moving.
Metro And Traffic Personnel Monitoring
The plan also includes measures to manage crowds and passenger drop-off activity around Patna Metro stations.
An attendance monitoring system for personnel deployed for traffic control was among the other proposals discussed at the event.
The meeting also called for a concrete and actionable plan to reduce congestion in Patna and other major urban areas of Bihar.
Senior officials attending the event included the managing director of BSRDCL, the Patna Municipal Commissioner, the Traffic SP, the managing director of BRPNNL and officials from the district administration and traffic police.
ICCC Inspection
Following the event, P.K. Sikdar and other officials inspected the Integrated Control and Command Center at the Road Construction Department.
They gathered information from officials and engineers about the centre’s existing operations and procedures.
