Patna: Commuters on Bailey Road, Patna’s busiest arterial route, are set to face significant traffic disruptions over the next three years as construction work for the Patna Metro enters a crucial phase.
Authorities have begun barricading sections of the road for metro station construction, with one lane earmarked for closure as work progresses. The restrictions are expected to affect thousands of daily commuters travelling along one of the city’s most heavily used corridors.
Autos And Buses To Be Restricted
Under the proposed traffic management plan, the movement of auto-rickshaws, e-rickshaws and buses will be prohibited on the stretch between Zoo Gate No. 1 and Income Tax Golambar for the duration of the construction period.
The restrictions will be implemented in phases.
In the first phase, curbs will apply on the section between Zoo Gate No. 1 and Vikas Bhawan. After approximately two to three months, the second phase will extend the restrictions from Vikas Bhawan to Income Tax Golambar.
Officials said the phased approach is intended to minimise disruption while allowing construction work to proceed.
Trial Run Scheduled For June 27
Traffic authorities are scheduled to conduct a trial run of the new arrangements on June 27.
The exercise was originally planned for June 21 and June 22 but was postponed because of the NEET examination, which saw a large number of candidates travelling to examination centres located along Bailey Road.
The trial will help officials assess traffic flow and identify adjustments required before the full-scale implementation of the restrictions.
One-Way System Planned For Private Vehicles
As part of the revised traffic plan, a one-way traffic system will be introduced for private vehicles between Patel Bhawan and Vikas Bhawan.
Authorities are also finalising alternative routes for passenger vehicles that currently use the affected stretch.
The changes are expected to have a substantial impact on daily travel patterns in the city.
According to official estimates, between 1.5 lakh and 2 lakh vehicles use this corridor every day, including more than 5,000 auto-rickshaws, around 1,000 e-rickshaws and over 60 buses.
Traffic congestion on Bailey Road is typically at its peak between 9am and 11.30am and again between 5.30pm and 8.30pm.
Metro Tunnelling To Begin Later This Year
The restrictions are linked to the next phase of Patna Metro’s underground construction programme.
Once the launching shafts are completed, four Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) are expected to be lowered underground in November.
Two machines will excavate tunnels towards Patna Junction, while the remaining two will bore towards Rukanpura.
Metro officials also plan to construct a ramp connecting the elevated metro section near Patliputra Station with the underground corridor at Rukanpura.
Major Impact Expected On Daily Commuters
Officials said the extensive construction activity will require the suspension of normal vehicular movement on parts of Bailey Road, necessitating alternative traffic arrangements.
The corridor serves several key government offices, educational institutions, hospitals and commercial establishments, making it one of the most critical transport links in the state capital.
With construction expected to continue for three years, authorities are preparing for a long-term traffic management exercise aimed at balancing urban mobility with the city’s largest ongoing infrastructure project.
