Patna: The Patna High Court has come down heavily on authorities over the worsening condition around Patna Junction, citing severe traffic congestion, illegal parking, encroachments and unhygienic surroundings as matters of public concern.
Hearing a petition filed by Raunak Sinha, a division bench comprising Justice PB Bajanthri and Justice Alok Kumar Sinha expressed serious displeasure at the lack of improvement despite repeated directives. The court has asked the Patna District Magistrate to submit a detailed action report at the next hearing scheduled for June 16, 2025.
Taking note of the persistent problems plaguing the area, the court also directed that the Senior Divisional Commercial Manager of East Central Railway be made a party to the case and explain the current situation, either personally or through legal representation.
The court noted that the chaotic traffic conditions around the station are hindering passenger movement, often leading to missed trains and significant inconvenience to the public. Improper vehicle parking and the absence of a structured parking system have exacerbated the issue.
The bench also took a grim view of the recurring encroachment, despite earlier clearance drives. “Even after being removed, encroachers return to occupy the space,” the court observed, adding that previous orders to the administration and railway officials had yielded little effect.
Visual evidence submitted during the hearing painted a dismal picture of the station’s premises—with piles of garbage, rampant open defecation, and vendors selling food under flyovers, posing serious health risks. The situation, the court noted, leaves a poor impression on foreign tourists and outstation passengers alike.
Emphasising the need for immediate corrective measures, the court asked the administration to treat the matter with the seriousness it warrants.
