Patna to Implement High-Tech Traffic Management and Encroachment-Free Zones

Patna : A high-level meeting chaired by Divisional Commissioner of Patna, Mayank Warvade, was held to discuss strategies for improving traffic management, removing encroachments, and ensuring a safe, systematic, and congestion-free transport system in the city.

The commissioner emphasised that maintaining smooth traffic flow in Patna is a key priority for the government, with all stakeholders directed to stay vigilant and committed. “The government is committed to providing the best facilities to the public, and the entire administrative system is alert and ready for this,” said Warvade.

Action Plan and Directives

During the meeting, Mayank Warvade instructed officials to ensure seamless coordination between various departments, including the Urban Development Department, Traffic Police, Transport Department, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), and other relevant agencies. The commissioner stressed the need for both short-term and long-term action plans to address traffic congestion and encroachments.

Officials were directed to:

Conduct regular patrolling and keep CCTV cameras functional.

Identify and establish vending zones.

Undertake regular encroachment removal drives, targeting key areas such as Nehru Path, Patna Junction Golambar, Old Bypass Road, Ashoka Rajpath, and JP Gangapath.

Address public nuisances and ensure compliance with no-parking and no-vending zone regulations.

Implement strict legal action against violations, including overloading and illegal vehicle operations.

The Additional District Magistrate (Municipality) has been tasked with leading encroachment removal efforts to prevent traffic bottlenecks, while Patna Municipal Corporation will oversee the smooth operation of e-rickshaws and auto-rickshaws under prescribed guidelines.

Technological Interventions and Infrastructure Upgrades

The commissioner highlighted the importance of technology in enhancing traffic management. Under the Patna Smart City project, over 3,300 CCTV cameras have been installed at 415 locations, including 2,602 surveillance cameras, 473 Red Light Violation Detection (RLVD) cameras, and 150 Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras. Additional cameras for speed violation detection and vehicle classification have also been deployed.

Integrated Traffic Management Systems (ITMS), equipped with public address systems and electronic call boxes, are being effectively implemented to monitor traffic and ensure compliance with regulations. The system is expected to strengthen enforcement and help identify violators, with penalties imposed as per the law.

Urban Infrastructure Development

The commissioner announced plans for the construction of foot overbridges with escalators, underpasses, and the widening and beautification of roads. Additionally, alternative arrangements for vendors and development of multi-level parking facilities are in the pipeline to ease traffic congestion.

Efforts are also underway to regulate the movement of public transport, including state-of-the-art CNG-powered buses and the metro project, which is progressing rapidly. “Like Delhi, where the metro has revolutionised public transport, we are striving for similar transformation in Patna,” Warvade said.

Long-Term Vision for Patna

Recognising Patna’s strategic importance as a gateway to North-East India, the commissioner stressed the need for sustainable traffic management to ensure safety, boost economic growth, and improve the quality of life for residents. “Patna is our city and the pride of our state. It is our responsibility to keep it free from traffic congestion and pollution,” he said.

Regular consultations with the District Road Safety Committee, auto and e-rickshaw associations, and private school managements are part of ongoing efforts to strengthen traffic management and urban infrastructure. Proposals discussed in the meeting included solutions to traffic congestion at critical points such as the railway station, Kargil Chowk, Rajendra Nagar Terminal, Sipara Bridge, Raja Bazar, and the Patliputra Bus Terminal.

Call for Accountability and Public Cooperation

Mayank Warvade urged all stakeholders to remain in action mode and maintain effective communication with the public. He called upon enforcement agencies to be vigilant in ensuring compliance with traffic regulations and stressed that necessary actions would be taken against offenders.

The meeting was attended by the Superintendent of Police (Traffic), Additional Municipal Commissioner, Additional District Magistrates (Law and Order and City), District Transport Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police (Traffic), and senior officials from PESU, the Road Construction Department, and other relevant departments.