Patna Implements Comprehensive Traffic Plan for Republic Day Celebrations at Gandhi Maidan
As the nation prepares to celebrate Republic Day, the Patna traffic police have unveiled a detailed set of traffic regulations to facilitate smooth vehicular movement and ensure the peaceful conduct of the state-level ceremony scheduled for January 26 at Gandhi Maidan. The announcement follows the successful full-dress rehearsal of the Republic Day parade held on the Gandhi Maidan premises, setting the stage for the main event.
Road Closures and Restricted Access Zones
In a bid to maintain order and security, all roads leading to Gandhi Maidan will remain completely closed to general commuters from 7 AM until the conclusion of the official program. The traffic plan outlines several specific restrictions:
- Vehicular movement will be entirely prohibited on Fraser Road, stretching from Dak Bungalow Square to Children Park near Gandhi Maidan.
- Entry from New Dak Bungalow Road to SP Verma Road will be barred, with additional closures affecting all roads leading east from Kotwali T-point to Police Lines on Budh Marg.
- Traffic approaching from Voltas More will be redirected northwards via Vidyapati Marg or Budh Marg towards the Police Lines intersection.
- Movement from Chhajjubag, near the SDO residence, towards T N Banerjee Road (JP Golambar) will be prohibited, with restrictions also in place from the Chhajjubag turn towards the SDO residence on Budh Marg.
Designated Routes and Diversion Plans
To manage the expected traffic flow, authorities have established specific routes for different types of vehicles. Only vehicles with valid passes will be permitted to ply on the flank from J P Ganga Path towards A N Sinha Institute and Gandhi Maidan. Other vehicles approaching from Bans Ghat will be diverted towards Marine Drive from in front of the commissioner’s office.
Private vehicles will be allowed to travel from Patna Junction along Fraser Road up to Dak Bungalow Square, after which they must proceed eastwards via Bhattacharya Chowk and Peermuhani towards Nala Road. Any vehicles reaching Exhibition Road will be diverted back to Bhattacharya Chowk through the cutting located in front of a supermarket.
VIP Access and Special Provisions
A significant portion of Fraser Road, from Dak Bungalow Chowk (Kaviguru Ravindra Chowk) to J P Golambar, has been reserved exclusively for the cavalcade of the Bihar Governor, chief minister, deputy chief minister, their family vehicles, and VVIP or special guests holding colour cards. This measure aims to ensure secure and efficient passage for dignitaries attending the ceremony.
Traffic SP Sagar Kumar elaborated on additional routes that will follow designated protocols to support smooth access for authorised personnel. These include:
- From Rajendra Chowk to Mandal Golambar on Deshratna Marg
- Mandal Golambar to Lalit Bhawan Underpass on Circular Road
- Lalit Bhawan Underpass to Dak Bungalow Square on Bailey Road
- Onwards from Dak Bungalow Square via Fraser Road to JP Golambar through Children Park to Kargil Chowk
Appeal for Public Cooperation
In his statement, SP Sagar Kumar urged commuters to plan their travel accordingly, adhere to the announced diversions, and cooperate fully with traffic personnel. “This cooperation is essential to avoid inconvenience and ensure the successful observance of Republic Day at Gandhi Maidan,” he emphasized, highlighting the collective effort required for a seamless celebration.
The comprehensive traffic regulations reflect the Patna traffic police’s proactive approach to managing large-scale public events, balancing security needs with minimal disruption to daily life. As the city gears up for the patriotic festivities, these measures are expected to contribute significantly to the orderly and respectful commemoration of India’s Republic Day.
