Patna: In anticipation of the large gatherings expected for Chhath Puja, Patna Police have announced extensive traffic restrictions and diversions across the city for two days. The changes will be enforced on October 27 from 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm and on October 28 from 2:00 am to 8:00 am, or until normal traffic resumes.
According to the advisory, the traffic plan aims to ensure smooth movement and safety of devotees heading to various ghats along the Ganga. The restrictions, however, will not apply to ambulances, fire engines, patient and hearse vehicles, or vehicles belonging to Chhath devotees.
Key Restrictions on Ashoka Rajpath
All entry points to Ashoka Rajpath will be sealed off. No vehicles will be allowed between Kargil Chowk and East Didarganj, except emergency and administrative vehicles.
Parking for devotees will be permitted between Khajanchi Road and the campuses of Patna College and Science College, while vehicles of Chhath devotees will be allowed to operate from Kargil Chowk to West Shahpur.
Guidelines for Devotees Heading to Gai Ghat
Vehicles going towards Kangan Ghat or Chowk Thana Mor will be stopped near City School, with parking available at the City School and Mangal Talab campuses. Devotees must walk to the ghats from these points.
Those coming from the Old or New Bypass may access Gai Ghat via Dhanuki Mor, Sheetla Mata Temple, or Biscoman Roundabout, with parking at Hathiya Garden, Iron Warehouse, and near Medaj Hospital. Use of the JP Ganga Path will be strictly prohibited.
For devotees heading to Purab Morcha Road or Purab Darwaza, parking will be available under the Guru Gobind Singh ROB and near Patna Sahib Station. Vehicles entering Ashoka Rajpath from Didarganj will be parked in the Katra Bazaar Committee premises.
Local residents from Marufganj, Mansoorganj, Karamli Chak, Jalla, and Malsalami visiting nearby ghats such as Adra, Nuruddin, Nandgola, Pani Tanki, and Naya Tola will be required to park on the single lane of the JP Ganga Path near Malsalami TOP/OP Sah and proceed on foot.
Restrictions on JP Setu and Ganga Path
Traffic on JP Setu from Sonpur/Chhapra towards Patna will remain closed from 2:00 pm to 7:30 pm on October 27 and from 3:00 am to 6:00 am on October 28. Entry of heavy vehicles such as buses, trucks, and JCBs will be completely prohibited.
Vehicles crossing JP Setu will not be allowed to enter the JP Ganga Path, and must instead continue via the Ashoka Rajpath route.
Authorities have urged commuters to use the Mahatma Gandhi Setu for travel to Sonpur, Chhapra, or Hajipur during these hours. Meanwhile, no vehicle movement or parking will be allowed on the JP Ganga Path (Marine Drive) between Digha Golambar and Didarganj.
Public Advisory
Police have requested citizens to park in designated areas near ghats, ensuring vehicles are queued properly. Drivers must display their mobile numbers on the windshield for identification.
Officers and magistrates stationed at each ghat will manage vehicle movement and ensure that no vehicles enter restricted zones once devotees have departed. Emergency services will remain unaffected throughout the Chhath Puja period.
