Patna: Authorities in Patna have issued new directives to tackle severe traffic congestion around Patna Junction, where auto-rickshaw, e-rickshaw and bus drivers have been accused of stopping arbitrarily to pick up and drop off passengers. Traffic police have launched a crackdown on illegal parking and roadside passenger collection that has led to frequent bottlenecks at key points including the GPO roundabout and Station roundabout.
Despite repeated intervention by officers, drivers continue to halt in the middle of the road, often collecting fares while queues of vehicles build behind them. As soon as police move one vehicle, another quickly takes its place, witnesses said.
The situation is reportedly worst near the Pal Hotel, where a U-turn is used heavily by autos and e-rickshaws arriving from Goriatoli. Vehicles drop passengers and immediately begin loading new customers, causing consistent gridlock. Congestion is also reported near the GPO roundabout, where vehicles wait openly to collect passengers.
Operations resume from Tata Park but violations continue
Auto services have restarted from Tata Park to routes including Kankarbagh and Hanuman Nagar. However, several drivers are continuing to pick up passengers directly in front of Pal Hotel instead of exiting Tata Park in the required queue system, adding to congestion at the nearby U-turn.
VIP parking sparks criticism
Police have also been confronting VIP vehicles parking illegally near the Station roundabout. Officers said that drivers often move their cars only after arguments and are instructed to use designated station parking. On Tuesday, three or four vehicles were seen parked adjacent to the roundabout while VIP passengers disembarked.
Bikes seized in enforcement drive
During a traffic operation, police confiscated around a dozen motorbikes illegally parked near the Patna Junction roundabout. The vehicles were returned after owners paid fines.
Autos barred from entering Multi-Modal Hub
Regulations require autos to pick up passengers inside the Multi-Modal Hub, but large numbers continue to wait outside and collect passengers on the road up to the GPO roundabout, officials said.
Passenger drop-offs clog junction gate
Vehicles stopping near the Mahavir Temple gate to let passengers alight are causing long queues. Many commuters are reportedly avoiding the designated Patna Junction parking facility entirely.
Parking bans expanded to four new locations
To ease traffic pressure in the Kotwali OP area, parking has been banned for autos and four-wheelers at the Income Tax Roundabout, Buddha Marg, Nehru Path, Dakbungalow Square and outside the ISKCON Temple. No-parking signage has been installed and police warned that strict penalties will be imposed for violations.
Traffic officials said that shoppers frequently park in prohibited zones, reducing the width of roads and intensifying congestion.
