Patna: Patna is bracing for heavy crowds this Navratri and Durga Puja with the administration announcing sweeping traffic restrictions, including the closure of 12 major roads and a blanket no-parking order around Gandhi Maidan.
The city, lit up with pandals, music and processions, is preparing for millions of devotees who will gather to worship Goddess Durga. To avoid gridlock and ensure ambulances and emergency services are not held up, officials have drawn up a comprehensive traffic plan.
Road closures and diversions
Vehicular movement has been barred across the city’s central stretch, from Dak Bungalow Chowk to Kotwali, with restrictions also in place on routes leading from Patna Junction, Bhattacharya Chowk and Swaminandan T-junction. Roads between New Dak Bungalow and SP Verma Road will remain shut, while stretches of Ashok Rajpath will also face curbs.
Traffic will not be permitted on Govind Mitra Road, Sabjibag Road, Bakarganj Mor to Makhania Kuan, Nala Road Mor to Thakur Bari Mor, and Dinkar Roundabout to Machhuatoli Chowk. Commercial vehicles are prohibited from using Ashok Rajpath from Digha to the eastern gates of Patna City.
No-parking zones
Authorities have declared Gandhi Maidan and surrounding areas strictly off-limits for parking. This includes SP Verma Road to Kotwali police station, Titan Watch Chowk to Sinha Library and Chajjubagh, as well as the vicinity of Patna Museum and Buddha Marg. Officials warned that indiscriminate parking could worsen congestion and pose security risks.
Alternative parking
Designated parking areas have been earmarked, including Fraser Road between Dr C.P. Thakur’s residence and Swaminandan Chowk, both sides of the road from Akashvani to JP Chowk, and the service lanes of Veerchand Patel Marg. Grounds at Patna College and Patna Science College will function as temporary parking sites. In Patna City, small vehicles and two-wheelers can be parked at City School Chowk, Mangal Talab and outside Patna Sahib railway station.
Security and health measures
Security has been stepped up with city SPs, DSPs and station in-charges patrolling pandals. Female officers in plain clothes have been deployed in crowded areas to ensure the safety of women. Police patrols and Dial 112 teams will be on standby for emergencies.
Hospitals including PMCH, IGIMS, NMCH, AIIMS Patna and Gardiner Road Hospital have been placed on high alert, while four temporary medical posts have been set up around Gandhi Maidan. Contact numbers for emergency health services have been circulated by the administration.
