Patna: Patna on Monday witnessed major traffic disruptions after authorities imposed a 13-day traffic blockade in the Patliputra area to accelerate work on the Digha-Kankarbagh sewerage project before the monsoon season.
The restrictions will remain in place until May 30.
Key Roads Closed For Sewerage Work
Under the revised traffic arrangement:
- vehicular movement has been completely suspended between the BIADA Gate in the Patliputra Industrial Area and the Rajiv Nagar Underpass
- traffic has also been prohibited on the Atal Path service lane between the Rajiv Nagar Underpass and A.N. College
Authorities said the restrictions were necessary to complete sewerage repair and upgradation work within the limited pre-monsoon window.
Commuters Face Congestion And Delays
Traffic congestion was reported across nearby areas on the first day of the blockade.
Office-goers were forced to use alternative routes, resulting in longer commute times during morning hours.
Residents said:
- school vehicles were delayed
- ambulance movement was affected
- congestion persisted across adjoining roads
Local residents and motorists also criticised the pace of work, alleging that construction activity took place for only a few hours during the night after the road closure came into effect.
Several residents demanded that the project be executed continuously on a “war footing” to minimise inconvenience to the public.
BUDCO Says Work Aimed At Preventing Monsoon Waterlogging
According to a statement issued by Bihar Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation (BUDCO), the sewerage upgrade is intended to strengthen drainage infrastructure before the onset of the monsoon.
Officials said the project was aimed at reducing:
- waterlogging
- sewer overflow
- unsanitary conditions during heavy rainfall
Authorities have instructed the construction agency to complete the work within the scheduled blockade period.
Residents Demand Faster Completion
The administration appealed to residents to cooperate with traffic arrangements and use alternative routes wherever possible.
However, locals expressed concern over the apparent slowdown in daytime construction activity.
A security guard deployed at the worksite confirmed that work had been carried out during the night but acknowledged that no construction activity was currently underway during daytime hours.
Residents have urged authorities to ensure round-the-clock work so that normal traffic movement can be restored at the earliest.
