Authorities in Patna are making extensive preparations to welcome large crowds at the city's premier recreational spots on New Year's Day, January 1. Popular destinations including the Patna Zoo, Eco Park, and Energy Park are expected to witness a significant surge in visitors, prompting special management measures and a temporary revision of entry fees.
Revised Ticket Prices and Special Arrangements
Visitors planning to celebrate the New Year at Patna's attractions will need to pay more for entry. The Patna Zoo has implemented a threefold hike in ticket prices, setting adult tickets at Rs 150 and children's tickets (for ages 5-12) at Rs 60 for the day. Similarly, Eco Park has fixed its January 1 rates at Rs 50 for adults and Rs 25 for children.
Other parks across the city will also have special one-day rates. Parks such as Shivaji Park, Punaichak Park, Navin Sinha Park, Veer Kunwar Singh Park, and the SK Puri Children's Park on Boring Road will charge between Rs 25 and Rs 50 for entry.
To manage the anticipated heavy footfall, the zoo administration has made several key arrangements:
- Setting up ten additional ticket counters, bringing the total to 14 compared to the usual four.
- Strengthening online ticket booking facilities to reduce queues.
- Deploying additional security personnel and staff to maintain order.
- The zoo will operate from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM on New Year's Day.
Attraction Closures and New Highlights
In an effort to streamline visitor movement and ensure safety, several popular attractions within the Patna Zoo will remain closed on January 1. These include boating facilities, battery-operated vehicles, the aquarium, the nocturnal house, and the 3D theatre.
At Eco Park, the boating facility, rose garden, and Adventure Park will also be shut for the day. However, families and children will be permitted to enjoy picnics on the grounds. The park is adding a unique cultural element to this year's celebrations: a large Madhubani painting, measuring 15 feet by 15 feet, is being created on a wall between the Rose Garden and Adventure Zone to showcase Bihar's rich folk art. The connecting bridge is also receiving a fresh coat of paint.
City-Wide Festive Makeover
Preparations are visible at parks citywide. At Hardinge Park, a replica aeroplane near the entrance has been repainted and developed as a dedicated selfie point for children. Officials from the Patna park division confirm that repairs of swings, lighting, and washrooms, along with thorough cleaning, have been completed to prevent any inconvenience to visitors.
"New flower beds and painted benches are giving the parks a festive look," said a park division official. "We are hopeful that thousands of people will visit these parks on the first day of the New Year."
For those seeking a more tranquil beginning to the year, Buddha Smriti Park near the junction remains a preferred choice with its meditation stupas, Buddha statues, and serene walkways. The expansive Gandhi Maidan is also expected to attract numerous picnickers for relaxed family gatherings.
