The Patna High Court on Thursday directed the state government to file a detailed counter affidavit on what measures it has taken to improve traffic congestion in Patna.

A division bench of Chief Justice Rajendra Menon and Justice Sudhir Singh passed the order on a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by the Public Interest Litigation Forum, which had highlighted poor traffic management in Patna.

The petitioner has requested the court to direct the state to ensure smooth traffic in Patna and also to remove encroachment from the roads, flanks and footpaths, which is the reason behind the congestion.

Actions have also been sought against city buses and autorickshaws, which stop in the middle of the road for loading and unloading passengers. To comply with the orders, more personnel should be deputed on roads instead of engaging them in VVIP security.