Patna: Visitors to Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park, popularly known as Patna Zoo, could soon benefit from a new pedestrian-friendly traffic system designed to improve safety and convenience. Authorities are planning to install a special signal light mechanism, similar to those seen in many international cities, allowing pedestrians to cross the road with the press of a button.
The initiative is part of efforts to modernise facilities around one of the city’s most visited attractions. Under the proposed system, pedestrians will be able to activate a red light by pressing a button, temporarily halting traffic in both directions. This will create a safe window for people to cross the road without navigating moving vehicles. Once the crossing is complete, the signal will turn green and traffic will resume.
Officials said the system will include a built-in delay to prevent misuse. After being activated once, the button will not function again for 20 minutes, ensuring smoother traffic flow while still prioritising pedestrian safety. The move is expected to particularly benefit families, children and elderly visitors who often struggle to cross busy roads near the zoo.
According to Yashpal Meena, the project will initially be implemented as a pilot. If the system proves effective, similar crossings could be introduced at other high-traffic locations across the city. The arrangement is also being viewed as a temporary solution until more permanent infrastructure, such as a foot overbridge or underpass, is constructed in the area.
