Patna: Commuters travelling on Nehru Path (Bailey Road) are set to witness major changes in traffic movement as authorities have prepared a new traffic management plan to facilitate the ongoing Patna Metro Rail project. The revised arrangement, expected to come into effect from next week after official approval, aims to maintain the flow of private vehicles while diverting commercial transport away from the construction stretch.Under the proposed plan, metro construction near the Income Tax roundabout, Vikas Bhawan and Zoo Gate No. 1 will occupy part of the road, while the remaining space will be converted into two operational lanes for private vehicles. Cars, motorcycles and other private vehicles will continue to move in both directions between the Income Tax roundabout and Saguna More, ensuring that regular commuters can continue using Bailey Road despite the construction work.However, commercial vehicles, including city buses, tempos and e-rickshaws, will no longer be allowed to operate on Bailey Road.Traffic SP Sagar Kumar said a draft plan had been prepared and some civil work, such as shifting the check-post, was underway to ensure smooth traffic flow. “We are waiting for the approval and expect that it will likely be implemented after a week,” he told TOI on Tuesday.“No commercial vehicle will be allowed between the IT roundabout and Saguna Mor. They will be redirected via Beerchand Patel Path, R-Block roundabout, Mandiri Nala Road, Bansghat and Patna-Digha Road. Vehicles coming from Saguna Mor will be diverted through Digha-Ashiana Road,” he said.The new plan also restricts commercial vehicles from proceeding beyond Sheikhpura Mor and Dumra Chowki. After reaching Dumra Chowki, they will be diverted towards Patna airport and can then access Patel roundabout, Vidhan Sabha, Atal Path, R-Block roundabout and the Multi-Modal Hub near GPO roundabout through the alternative route.Once approved by the district administration, the revised traffic arrangement is expected to be implemented from the second week of Aug and will remain in force until the metro station construction work on Bailey Road is completed. Authorities expect the plan to minimise congestion and ensure smoother movement of traffic during the construction period.
