Protesters would now have to find out a new way to reach R-Block and disrupt vehicular movement.

The district administration has erected gates below Mithapur flyover to check the movement of agitators and ensure smooth traffic flow. The state government plans to put this new gate on Hardinge Road, 100m off the R-Block gate, to use during the budget session of the state legislature commencing from June 27.

When the House is in session, series of protests and demonstrations are staged, leading to closure of the R-Block gates. Subsequently, traffic is diverted via IT roundabout, leading to snarls.

Patna district magistrate N. Saravana Kumar told The Telegraph: “We plan to use the new gate under the flyover. We will take a final decision soon. The closure of the R-Block gate leads to traffic chaos.”

The third arm of the 350m Mithapur flyover was opened for the public on August 14, 2012. But it could not address the persisting traffic problems. Taking a U-turn after reaching the R-Block gate became a major problem for commuters.

Whenever the Assembly session is in progress, several NGOs, social activists, independent organisations, and unions stage dharna and march to the R-Block gate, leading to traffic chaos.

Residents, especially commuters, are naturally delighted over the government’s move. Expressing happiness over the new gate to stop protesters, Kankerbagh resident Sumit Agarwal said: “I think it is good planning by the state government. The district administration should execute the plan without having a second thought. It is a harrowing experience waiting for the traffic to clear when the R-Block gate is closed.”