Patna: Metro construction in Patna is prompting further changes to the city’s traffic arrangements, with commercial vehicles approaching from Saguna Mor now being diverted to alternative routes to ease congestion near the zoo.
A roughly 200-metre stretch near the zoo has been affected by the closure of one traffic lane for metro construction. Traffic pressure has increased particularly during the morning and evening peak hours, with long queues also reported near the Hanuman Temple in Rajvanshi Nagar.
The traffic police introduced the latest diversion plan on Monday, aiming to keep commercial vehicles away from the construction-affected stretch and maintain smoother movement on the main road.
Commercial Vehicles To Be Diverted Near Dumra Chowki
Under the primary diversion route, commercial vehicles travelling from Saguna Mor will be diverted near Dumra Chowki, before reaching the zoo, after passing beneath the Rajabazar flyover.
From there, vehicles will travel towards the airport. After passing the airport’s main gate, they can use the route through Patel Golambar and Harding Road, eventually reaching Patna Junction via Income Tax Golambar.
Traffic police expect the diversion to reduce the volume of commercial vehicles approaching the lane closed for metro construction, potentially easing pressure on the route for other motorists.
Second Route Prepared Via LNJP Hospital
A second diversion has also been planned for some commercial vehicles.
Under this arrangement, vehicles will be diverted towards LNJP Hospital before reaching the zoo and then directed towards Punaichak.
However, officials have identified a potential problem with this route: the road between LNJP Hospital and Punaichak is relatively narrow. A large increase in commercial traffic could therefore create congestion.
Traffic police will monitor the route and make changes if necessary based on traffic volume and movement.
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More Changes Expected As Metro Work Expands
The traffic disruption around the zoo is also affecting surrounding roads during office and school hours in the morning and the evening return commute.
Further changes are expected as the next phase of metro construction begins near Vikas Bhawan and Vidyut Bhawan.
Under the proposed arrangements, commercial vehicles could eventually be diverted from Income Tax Golambar itself. This means traffic management measures will continue to change as construction progresses across different sections of the city.
For now, two main diversion points have been designated for commercial vehicles approaching from Saguna Mor: Dumra Chowki, directing traffic towards the airport, Patel Golambar and Harding Road; and the route before the zoo towards LNJP Hospital and Punaichak.
Traffic police said the arrangements would be monitored on the ground and modified if excessive pressure develops on any particular route. Motorists have been urged to follow traffic personnel’s instructions around construction zones and use alternative routes where possible.
