Commuters who regularly travel between Patna and Ara in Bhojpur district are set to face significant inconvenience for more than half a year. A crucial road stretch is scheduled for a complete shutdown to facilitate the construction of a major elevated corridor.
Complete Road Closure: Dates and Details
The road section between Shivala Chowk and Kanhauli in the Danapur sub-division will be entirely closed to all vehicles from December 18 until July 15. This prolonged closure, spanning over seven months, is necessary for the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to execute work on this vital highway corridor. District officials have emphasized that this step is essential for the project's progress.
Special Arrangements and Diversion Plans
In a move to reduce hardship for students, authorities have carved out specific time windows for school transport. Vehicles ferrying children to educational institutions along the affected stretch will be permitted to operate only during two specific slots: from 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM and again from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Officials have indicated that these timings are subject to revision if school schedules change.
For the general public, the Danapur sub-divisional officer's office has released a detailed traffic diversion plan to manage the flow of vehicles, especially those heading from Ara towards Patna. The key alternative routes are:
- Via Bihta Chowk to Maner, then proceeding through Danapur Cantt towards Patna.
- The same route till Maner, then continuing through Sherpur, Chhitnawan, Usri Bazaar, and Shivala to enter the city.
- From Bihta Chowk to Kanhauli at Sarmera Mor, then moving through Naubatpur to reach AIIMS-Patna Square.
- From Naubatpur Bazaar towards Shivala for entry into Patna.
Long-Term Gain for Short-Term Pain
While acknowledging the inevitable disruption, officials assure that the traffic plans are designed to distribute vehicular movement evenly and prevent severe bottlenecks. "Minor adjustments to traffic movement may occur in special circumstances," stated an official. This disruption is part of the larger Danapur-Bihta elevated road project, which promises to significantly improve regional connectivity and ease travel in the long run. The authorities urge commuters to plan their journeys in advance and cooperate to ensure a smoother flow during this extensive construction period.
