Chirag Gupta
Patna: Divisional Commissioner of Patna, Mayank Warvade, emphasized the administration’s commitment to ensuring smooth and well-organized traffic around Gandhi Maidan. He directed all concerned officers to remain alert and proactive during a review meeting held at the Commissioner’s Office to address encroachment, regulate traffic flow, and manage the operation of auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws. District Magistrate Chandrashekhar Singh, Senior Superintendent of Police Rajiv Mishra, Deputy Development Commissioner Sameer Saurabh, and other officials participated in the meeting.
To ease traffic congestion, the District Magistrate proposed implementing a one-way system around Gandhi Maidan, which is currently affected by metro construction. Reducing commercial activities at Gandhi Maidan was also discussed to preserve its beautification. The administration decided to send a request to the Forest Division Officer to relocate four trees obstructing traffic near Shri Krishna Memorial Hall.
The meeting highlighted concerns about damage to the walking track around Gandhi Maidan caused by heavy vehicle movement during peak hours, prompting the need for alternative arrangements. The gathering of competitive exam aspirants at Gandhi Maidan for physical test preparations was identified as a source of dust and pollution, which adversely affects the area’s aesthetics.
The Executive Engineer of the Road Construction Department was instructed to build footpaths for pedestrians and ensure the area around Gandhi Maidan remains free from encroachments. Unauthorized vehicle parking, particularly from Biscoman Bhawan to Children’s Park, will be prohibited. Similarly, unauthorized bus parking near Gate No. 3 of Gandhi Maidan will be addressed by coordinating with the Bihar State Road Transport Corporation. QR codes will be installed on transport buses, and strict measures will ensure that buses pick up and drop off passengers only at designated stops.
Traffic jams on J.P. Ganga Path were another focus area, and it was decided to regulate the number of shops allowed there. The District Transport Officer was tasked with publishing advertisements regarding the zoning and operation of auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws in Patna. Applications will be collected to re-determine permits and limit their numbers. Sub-division-wise operation of auto-rickshaws in urban and rural areas will be coordinated with representatives of their unions.
Additionally, the cut in the middle of the road near Kargil Golambhar by the Commissioner’s Office will be closed, and vehicle movement around Children’s Park Golambhar will be streamlined. The Commissioner reiterated the administration’s resolve to improve traffic management for the benefit of the public and ensure a well-organized urban environment.
