In anticipation of massive New Year celebrations, the Patna Traffic Police has unveiled a comprehensive four-day plan to manage vehicles and crowds around the iconic Gandhi Maidan. The special arrangements will be in effect from January 1 to January 4, 2026, aiming to prevent gridlock and ensure smooth movement across the city.
Major Route Diversions and Vehicle Restrictions
The core of the strategy involves strict restrictions on commercial vehicles like auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws near Gandhi Maadan. Authorities have announced specific diversion points. For instance, vehicles coming from Danapur towards Rajapur Pul will be turned back from Police Line Tiraha and sent back to Danapur. Similarly, autos from Gaighat on Ashoka Rajpath will be redirected at Kargil Chowk near the Double-Decker flyover and sent back towards Gaighat.
Movement bans extend to several crucial roads. Auto-rickshaws will be barred from moving from Bhattacharya Square towards North Gandhi Maidan on Exhibition Road. Those on SP Verma Road can only proceed up to Swaminandan Tiraha before returning via Bata Mor. Other prohibited stretches include the road from Budh Marg/Chhajjubag to TN Banerjee Path, from Kotwali Tiraha to Police Line Tiraha on Buddha Marg, and on Bank Road starting from Police Line Gate Number 1.
Contingency Plans and Private Vehicle Rules
The police have also prepared for potential heavy congestion on Bailey Road. If needed, autos and e-rickshaws will be stopped east of Dumra Chowki and diverted either towards Patna Airport or made to take a U-turn. For private vehicles, there are significant curbs. Non-official private vehicles will not be allowed to move eastwards from Circular Road or go beyond Karpuri Golambar towards Eco Park. Instead, they will be redirected towards Lalit Bhavan to reach their destinations.
Designated Parking Zones Across the City
To address parking challenges, the plan outlines several dedicated zones. Parking will not be allowed in the lane near Bihar Museum on Bailey Road; instead, a single lane on the opposite roadside can be used. Visitors to City Center Mall can use additional parking at Gandhi Maidan, and during peak hours, traffic may be diverted to JP Ganga Path for queued parking on one flank.
The multi-level smart parking facility is available for those going to the Planetarium or ISKCON Temple. Other arranged parking areas include the east side of Buddha Smriti Park’s boundary wall and marked multi-level spots. For Eco Park, vehicles can be parked systematically on both sides of one lane on Atal Path.
Near Zoo Gate No. 1 and Rajvanshinagar’s Hanuman Temple, roadside parking is banned. Drivers are directed to use the vacant grounds of the Veterinary College. Around Patna Junction, Mahavir Mandir, and Golambar, no road parking is permitted. Alternatives include single-lane roadside spots from GPO Golambar to West R-Block intersection or the Multi-Modal Hub. Finally, while the main road near Kumhrar Park is off-limits, vehicles can be arranged in rows on the unpaved land along both sides.
The detailed plan, released on Wednesday, underscores the police's proactive steps to manage the expected influx of revelers and maintain order during the festive period.
