Patna: Patna is experiencing widespread traffic disruption off late as long queues of vehicles form across major routes, including Bailey Road, Gandhi Maidan and Bari Path. The jams have intensified after autorickshaws have been barred from operating in the eastern part of the city, prompting commuters to flock to Gandhi Maidan to find alternative transport.
The sudden concentration of autos and private vehicles in the area caused gridlock that spread through Khetan Market, Langartoli, Machhua Toli, Khajanchi Road and adjoining stretches. Police from the traffic department, Gandhi Maidan and Pirbahor stations have been deployed to ease the congestion.
Congestion spills onto Chiraiyatand Bridge
Traffic is also moving at a crawl on Chiraiyatand Bridge, where evening congestion near the Chaudhary Petrol Pump adds to delays. Vehicles heading from the Exhibition Road flyover towards Kankarbagh Main Road via Chiraiyatand are at times stuck in long, snaking lines.
Commuters report difficulty reaching Kankarbagh, although routes from Kankarbagh Main Road towards Karbighia and the railway station remain relatively clear.
New U-turn aims to ease Kankarbagh congestion
In a bid to ease bottlenecks, authorities have introduced a new U-turn near the Sardar Battery shop on Kankarbagh Main Road. Previously, motorists travelling from the station or Exhibition Road towards PC Colony and surrounding areas relied solely on the Dr RN Singh turn or were forced to detour via the Kankarbagh Colony turn, creating heavy buildup at that junction.
The new U-turn now allows vehicles heading towards PC Colony to shift to the opposite lane earlier, reducing pressure on the existing turning points.
Traffic officials said they were monitoring the impact of the diversion and urged commuters to plan their routes ahead to avoid peak-hour congestion.
