Patna Ramps Up Security with Heavy Police Presence and Tech for Ram Navami
In anticipation of massive crowds for Ram Navami celebrations, the Patna police and district administration have rolled out an extensive, multi-layered security plan across the city. The objective is to ensure a peaceful and incident-free festival, leveraging both traditional force deployment and modern technological tools.
Comprehensive Security Measures and Key Locations
The security blueprint includes the deployment of a heavy police force, drones for aerial surveillance, CCTV cameras for constant monitoring, and strategic traffic diversions. Key locations under heightened vigilance encompass Mahavir Mandir near Patna Junction, Dak Bungalow Square, Bailey Road, Boring Road, Rajbanshi Nagar, and the historic Jalla Hanuman Mandir in Patna City. These areas are being closely watched to preempt any potential disturbances.
Official Statements and Deployment Details
Patna SSP Kartikeya Sharma elaborated on the arrangements, stating, “Around 1,500 police personnel have been deployed at key places. The security plan is divided into two parts: temple darshan starting from Thursday night and the procession on Friday evening. Forces are stationed at all identified locations, with traffic diversions and surveillance cameras activated.”
Further detailing the deployment, Sharma added, “In addition to the 1,500 police personnel, two companies of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) have been mobilized, along with internal district forces. Approximately 36 mobile units and bike patrol teams are specifically assigned for Ram Navami duties.”
Technological Integration and Control Rooms
Modern technology plays a pivotal role in the security framework. Five drones are being utilized for real-time aerial surveillance at strategic points: one near Mahavir Mandir and others at Dak Bungalow, Chiraiyatand Pul, Income Tax Golambar, and near Kotwali police station. CCTV cameras have been activated along sensitive stretches, and the cyber police wing is monitoring social media platforms to curb the spread of rumors or misinformation.
To facilitate quick response, seven temporary control rooms have been established at locations including Dak Bungalow Crossing, Mahavir Mandir, and R-Block, along the entire procession route. These control rooms enable rapid mobilization of forces if needed. Separate help units have also been formed to assist devotees who may get separated or lost in the crowd.
Crowd Management and Traffic Regulations
To mitigate stampede risks, the prasad distribution counter at Mahavir Mandir has been relocated away from the main temple premises. Barricades and dedicated counters have been set up to ensure smooth crowd movement. SSP Sharma urged devotees to cooperate, saying, “All necessary steps have been taken for a peaceful celebration. People are requested to follow traffic diversions, cooperate with security personnel, and avoid unnecessary crowding.”
Traffic restrictions have been imposed on key routes, with designated parking zones created for devotees. From 5 pm on Friday, operation of all e-rickshaws and autos will be prohibited on Bailey Road from Boring Road crossing towards IT Golambar during the arrival of tableaux. Passengers heading to Gandhi Maidan are advised to use Rajapur Pul to reach Boring Road intersection, while those travelling towards Patna Junction should take R-Block, GPO flyover, or Chiraiyatand flyover routes.
Designated parking facilities include:
- Miller High School ground on Beerchand Patel Path
- Bihar State Road Transport Corporation premises
- Roadside stretches of Beerchand Patel Path
- Mauryalok Complex (VIP parking)
- Multi-Modal Hub near GPO for both two-wheelers and four-wheelers
- Buddha Smriti Park for two-wheelers only
Parking of all vehicles is strictly prohibited in and around Station Golambar. Special arrangements manage heavy footfall around Mahavir Mandir, where devotees carrying prasad will enter from the western gate of Veer Kunwar Singh Park near R-Block, move through the park and GPO Golambar for darshan, and exit via Dak Bungalow or Goriya Toli Road. No vehicles will be allowed from R-Block towards GPO and Patna Junction, and entry of all vehicles is prohibited near the temple up to the cinema hall east of Patna Junction Golambar.
Railway Security Enhancements
Meanwhile, the East Central Railway (ECR) has bolstered security at all stations ahead of Ram Navami. Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel are on high alert to ensure smooth and safe passenger movement, particularly at busy and sensitive stations. According to ECR’s principal chief security commissioner-cum-IG, RPF, Amaresh Kumar, heightened security arrangements are in place at Patna Junction, Danapur, Rajendra Nagar Terminal, Patliputra Junction, Sitamarhi, Janakpur Road, Simri Bakhtiyarpur, Badlaghat, Darbhanga, Hajipur, Gaya, and several other stations. RPF personnel are maintaining round-the-clock surveillance through CCTV cameras at all major stations.
The emergency response number 112 remains fully operational throughout the festival period, underscoring the comprehensive approach to public safety during Ram Navami celebrations in Patna.
