Patna: CM Samrat Choudhary on Saturday directed officials to ensure smooth and uninterrupted traffic movement on Nehru Path, popularly known as Bailey Road, as construction of the Patna Metro gathers pace. The corridor, considered the lifeline of Patna, passes through several key localities and serves as the main link between Patna and Danapur.Reviewing road construction department projects at the Sankalp auditorium in Lok Sevak Awas, the CM instructed officials to widen stretches of Nehru Path wherever required and identify alternative routes well in advance at locations likely to be affected by Metro construction. He said diversion routes should be upgraded and made fully functional before traffic is redirected to minimise inconvenience to commuters.Choudhary also asked officials to regulate roadside activities along the corridor to prevent traffic disruptions. He directed the department to identify designated vending zones on Nehru Path, saying organised vending would help keep the road free from encroachments and improve traffic flow.Describing the Patna Metro as a transformative project for the state capital, the CM said its construction must be accompanied by effective traffic management through close coordination among all concerned agencies. He stressed that public movement should not be unnecessarily affected during the execution of the project.The CM directed the road construction department, Patna Metro Rail Corporation, district administration and traffic police to prepare and implement a comprehensive traffic management plan. The plan should include alternate routes, road widening, junction improvements, removal of bottlenecks and other measures aimed at easing congestion.During the review meeting, road construction department secretary Pankaj Kumar Pal and Patna Metro Rail Corporation managing director Sandeep Kumar R Pudukkalakatti informed the CM that 11 critical stretches had been identified on Nehru Path. Choudhary ordered site inspections of all these locations and directed officials to take need-based measures to ensure uninterrupted vehicular movement during the Metro construction phase.
