Police in Patna have followed in the footsteps of their Vaishali counterparts to aid people in need on the Mahatma Gandhi Setu.

Superintendent of police (traffic) Prantosh Kumar Das on Monday said the police would provide people medical assistance on the bridge besides arrange for fresh water in bottles and glasses for commuters stuck on the bridge.

Last week, Vaishali SP Chandrika Prasad had said the force was involving some non-government organisations to ensure immediate medical help to ailing people caught in a traffic snarl on the 5.575km Mahatma Gandhi Setu, which connects north Bihar with Patna.

Taking a leaf from the Vaishali police book, officers in Patna have also decided to start a medical unit at the bridge where injured commuters can at least be given first aid. #The Patna force would also provide commuters stuck in a snarl on the bridge with water, in coordination with Patna Municipal Corporation.

Traffic SP Das said: "The number of traffic problems at the bridge have come down but some teething issues are still there. A snarl can occur anytime at the bridge because of a vehicle breakdown, an accident or a traffic violation. Such cases need at least half an hour to be sorted but in these weather conditions, it needs to be ensured that stranded commuters, especially women and children, are not inconvenienced. So, this initiative has been taken."

A water tanker has been stationed at the police post near pillar number 46.

"The tanker will always be filled with water and would be provided to the people. The heat conditions are such that commuters can get uneasy anytime and water is important to fight this. The police have also arranged for bottled water and these would be available for free. Though traffic has been smooth on the bridge, anything can create a roadblock. For instance, if a sand-filled truck breaks down, the sand needs to be offloaded first and then only can a crane be brought in to tow the truck away. This easily takes in 30-45 minutes, and in this extreme weather conditions, anyone can fall sick waiting on the bridge," said Das.

Vaishali police had taken the decision to set up the primary health centre at the traffic control room on the Hajipur end of the bridge following the death of a woman from Siwan after she was stuck in a traffic snarl near the Ganga Bridge police station on way to Patna. The centre is yet to be started.

Last Monday, three bikers also lost their lives on the bridge, as their motorcycles came in between a tractor and a truck that collided head on. Police sources said apart from streamlining the traffic, cops deputed on the bridge have been asked to speak to commuters and inquire about their health.

"Police officers have been asked to speak to the people and enquire if they are thirsty or are feeling uneasy because of the heat. Some basic medical kits have also been provided to the police by Red Cross. Accidents occur every now and then but if a first-aid kit is available with the police, it can help the injured somewhat. In case of a serious accident, an ambulance can be called immediately but minor accidents involving scratches and wounds can be taken care of with first-aid," another officer said.