Patna: Authorities in Patna have announced extensive traffic restrictions and security measures ahead of Ram Navami, with key routes in the city centre to remain closed and diversions in place as large crowds of devotees are expected to gather.
According to the traffic police, vehicular movement on the stretch from R-Block to Patna Junction will be suspended from 8pm on March 26 until 11pm on Friday. The restriction comes amid expectations of heavy footfall at the nearby Mahavir Mandir, where devotees are likely to queue along the route for darshan. Commuters have been advised to use the GPO road overbridge as an alternative.
Police said devotees would enter via the western gate of Veer Kunwar Singh Park and proceed through designated pathways towards the temple via the GPO roundabout. Traffic from Goria Toli and Karbigahiya heading towards the station will be diverted, with vehicles required to take a U-turn from the southern end of Jamal Road. Movement between Dak Bungalow crossing and the station will also be restricted.
Further curbs will apply under the Budh Marg flyover, where access to the station will be closed and queues will not be permitted. Authorities said Adalatganj Road would operate under a one-way system from east to west, while entry from Veer Chand Patel Path will be blocked. Parking in and around the station area has been prohibited.
Additional restrictions will come into effect on March 27 from 5pm, when religious processions are scheduled to pass through the city. E-rickshaws and auto-rickshaws will not be allowed on Bailey Road between Boring Road crossing and the Income Tax roundabout. Commuters travelling towards Gandhi Maidan have been advised to take alternate routes via Rajapur bridge, while those heading to the railway station can use the Chiraiyatand flyover near R-Block.
Security has been intensified across a 4km radius in the city, with the procession set to pass through eight designated zones before converging at Dak Bungalow crossing, where a temporary police control room has been established. Around 500 police personnel have been deployed, alongside static magistrates and officers of deputy superintendent rank at key points.
Enhanced arrangements have been put in place at major junctions including Dak Bungalow, the Income Tax roundabout, R-Block, GPO, Fraser Road and SP Verma Road, with fire brigade teams stationed under police supervision. The health department will also deploy ambulances and medical teams to manage emergencies.
Officials said while vehicular access to the temple area will remain restricted from Thursday night, pedestrian movement to the railway station will continue to be permitted.
