Patna: The traffic police in Patna have decided that autos can no longer be parked at road intersections. From now on, autos must be stopped at least 50 metres ahead or behind a crossing. Officers said this rule is meant to reduce traffic jams, which are often caused by autos waiting directly at squares and busy junctions. Strict instructions have been issued to enforce the new rule in the city.
The move comes after a series of tragic accidents linked to overloaded autos. On February 23, seven people died in Masaurhi in an accident involving an auto. Four more people were killed in Dumariya on 29 May, while three lost their lives in Adarsh Nagar on 31 July. The worst incident happened on 23 August near Shahjahanpur, where nine women died in another auto crash. Officials said that overloading was the main reason behind these accidents, and all such cases will now be investigated.
Additional Director General (Traffic) Sudhanshu Kumar said that strict legal steps will be taken against those found guilty. Cases will be registered under section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). He also mentioned another incident in Jehanabad, where a child fell through a hole in a school bus and died. The police have promised tough action against all culprits in such cases to ensure accountability.
The new rules also focus on minors driving vehicles. According to a government survey, about 80,000 minors in Bihar are driving e-rickshaws, with nearly 25,000 to 30,000 of them in Patna alone. Kumar said that minors often do not understand road signs or directions, which makes them unsafe drivers. If a minor is found driving an auto, e-rickshaw or any vehicle, strict action will be taken. Carrying passengers in cargo autos has also been completely banned, and e-rickshaws cannot be used for transporting school children.
Officials said monitoring will be increased across the city to catch violators. Fines will be imposed and legal action taken against anyone breaking the rules. The police believe that these measures will not only reduce traffic jams in Patna but also prevent more tragic accidents in the future.
