Patna: Commuters in Patna should prepare for traffic changes on Nehru Path as one lane between Income Tax Chowk and Golf Club (Patel Bhawan) will be closed from June 22 for Patna Metro construction work.
The closure will affect vehicles travelling from Income Tax Chowk towards Patel Bhawan. Authorities said the lane is being shut to facilitate metro station and track construction along the corridor.
Traffic police will conduct a trial run of the revised traffic arrangement on June 20 at 11 am. A second trial will be held during peak hours on June 21 to assess traffic flow and identify potential bottlenecks before the plan is fully implemented.
Traffic SP (In-charge) Satish Kumar said the trials are aimed at evaluating vehicle movement and resolving operational issues ahead of the lane closure.
Restrictions on Heavy Vehicles
Under the new arrangement, the lane from Patel Bhawan towards Income Tax Chowk will remain open only for private vehicles. Entry of goods-carrying vehicles on this stretch will be completely prohibited.
Authorities have not yet specified how long the lane closure will remain in effect.
Alternative Routes for Autos and E-Rickshaws
To minimise disruption, traffic officials have designated alternative routes for auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws.
Vehicles heading towards Danapur will be diverted from GPO through Harding Road. Those travelling towards Kurji will use the Gandhi Maidan-Kurji route.
Auto drivers may also take the Income Tax Chowk-Mandiri Nala-Gandhi Maidan-Kurji-Danapur route, depending on traffic conditions.
Additional traffic personnel and temporary traffic posts will be deployed to manage congestion and assist commuters during the transition period.
Special Coordination Exercise Planned
A special coordination drive will be conducted on June 20 involving traffic officials and representatives of various auto unions.
The Traffic SP, Traffic DSPs and union leaders will jointly inspect the diversion routes and monitor the first physical trial of the traffic plan. Officials said the exercise will help ensure smooth implementation of the new arrangements.
High-Level Meeting Finalises Plan
The diversion strategy was approved during a high-level meeting attended by metro officials, traffic police officers and transport union representatives.
Among those present were Murtaza Ali, Naveen Mishra, Nathuni Saw, Janak Rai, Pappu Yadav, Rajesh Chaudhary, Sanjay Kumar Singh, Naveen Tiwari and Mukesh Kumar, along with other stakeholders.
