Patna Municipal Corporation Unveils Ambitious Rs 2,980 Crore Budget for Urban Revamp
The Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) has put forward a substantial budget proposal of Rs 2,980 crore for the upcoming financial year, marking a significant increase from the previous year's allocation of Rs 2,400 crore. This proposal was formally presented during a special standing committee meeting held on Monday, signaling a major push towards comprehensive urban development and enhanced civic amenities.
Focus on Waste Management and City Logistics
The budget places a strong emphasis on improving city logistics, integrating municipal assets, and launching large-scale beautification projects across Patna. A key highlight is the planned rollout of the Municipal Solid Waste Management (MSWM) system, which will be operationalized this financial year through the establishment of garbage transfer stations in all six municipal circles: Azimabad, Bankipur, Kankerbagh, New Capital, Patliputra, and Patna City.
To address persistent sanitation issues raised in board meetings, the PMC has earmarked funds for upgrading waste-collection vehicles, including auto-tippers and e-carts, and strengthening the overall collection mechanism. The civic body also plans to procure additional garbage collection vehicles to ensure more efficient and timely waste disposal.
Enhancing Financial Sustainability and Infrastructure
With Patna expanding rapidly and new roads and lanes being developed, the PMC aims to improve its financial sustainability. The budget includes provisions for installing streetlights in required areas to enhance safety and visibility. Revenue collection will be bolstered through the engagement of a specialized agency, with a target of Rs 137 crore, of which Rs 90 crore has already been realized.
Additionally, a city-wide survey for trade licenses will be conducted to identify and register unlicensed businesses, ensuring better regulatory compliance and increased municipal revenue.
Citizen-Centric Initiatives and Beautification Projects
Aligning with the Chief Minister's focus on improving ease of living, the budget proposes several citizen-centric measures. A pedestrian crossing button system will be introduced as a pilot project on Nehru Path near Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park (gate number 1). This system will allow pedestrians to press a button to halt traffic signals for safe crossing, with installation expected to begin within a week. If successful, the model will be expanded to other locations across the city.
Other priorities include the promotion of rainwater harvesting to address water scarcity and the construction of iconic gates at the city's seven entry and exit points. These gates will be named after historically and culturally significant figures, such as Samrat Ashok Dwar, adding to Patna's aesthetic appeal and cultural heritage.
Leadership and Committee Involvement
The meeting was chaired by Patna Mayor Sita Sahu, with the presence of Municipal Commissioner Yashpal Meena, Additional Municipal Commissioners Rajan Sinha and Krishna Swaroop, Deputy Mayor Reshmi Kumari, and members of the standing committee. Their collective oversight underscores the commitment to transparent and effective governance in implementing these ambitious plans.
