Patna: A new modern vending zone is set to replace the Kabadi Market near Patna Junction as part of Patna’s Smart City initiative, in a move aimed at easing chronic traffic congestion in the area.
Municipal Commissioner Animesh Kumar Parashar has ordered a survey of the site, located in front of the Buddha Smriti Multi-Level Vehicle Parking, to assess the availability of land. Officials will measure the land already under the Corporation’s ownership and, if required, begin the process of acquiring adjacent plots. The findings are expected to be submitted within a week.
The proposed vending zone will be modelled on the successful setup in Kadamkuan area, where designated spaces for vendors have already been allotted. The goal is to relocate over 350 vendors currently operating along the busy stretch from GPO Golambar to Patna Junction Golambar. This stretch frequently sees footpath encroachments that disrupt both pedestrian and vehicular movement.
Despite daily encroachment removal drives, the problem has persisted. Authorities now view designated vending zones as the only sustainable solution. The Kabadi Market site, previously cleared of encroachments, has seen illegal activity return in recent weeks. Originally, officials had planned to create a vending zone within the Buddha Smriti Multi-Level Parking facility. That plan has since shifted, and the space will now be used to provide parking for auto-rickshaws. As part of the broader Smart City mission, a multi-modal transport hub and subway have already been constructed in the Patna Junction area. However, officials acknowledge that the infrastructure will only function effectively once street vending is regulated.
