People approaching Patna Junction from either end - main entrance and Karbighaiya side - are suffering because of traffic diversion following the closure of the northern flank of Chiraiyatand railway overbridge (ROB) for extension work.

Those coming to board trains often get stuck in snarls within 500m of the station on either side. Sometimes, to avoid missing a train, many prefer to alight from their vehicles much ahead of the station and walk it.

The Telegraph presents a comprehensive picture of how traffic movement in the Patna Junction area has worsened following closure of Chiraiyatand bridge's northern flank.

But before that, a look at two new traffic systems introduced near Chiraiyatand bridge from Sunday, and how polluted the station area has become owing to heavy traffic and frequent snarls.

 

Closure pain, run for train

Sunday start

Jamal Road made one-way, north-south movement only. Vehicles cannot go from Station Road to New Dakbungalow Road through Jamal Road.

No entry into Rajendra Path from Station Road. Vehicles from Station Road would not be allowed to cross CDA Building roundabout to enter Rajendra Path as authorities have introduced a clockwise traffic system there from Sunday. Vehicles would need to take a detour from Station Road after reaching CDA Building roundabout. They would need to turn left from CDA Building roundabout and reach Exhibition Road crossing and turn right to enter Bhattacharya Road and meet Rajendra Path at the T-Junction.

Station roundabout

Traffic movement was never smooth here. But the situation has worsened with vehicles bound for the eastern flank of Chiraiyatand ROB being diverted here.

In fact, the ongoing work of joining the eastern flank of Chiraiyatand ROB with Mithapur bridge through a new flyover over Station Road has crippled the roundabout.

Because of the ongoing construction work, the road is partially blocked just 50m from either side of the roundabout.

Karbighaiya

The already narrow road - complete with continuous snarls - behind Patna Junction has become a commuter's nightmare. Many people who used to earlier take the northern flank of Chiraiyatand railway overbridge to go towards Kankerbagh are now taking the Mithapur railway overbridge from Buddha Marg to reach Karbigahiya.

Increased vehicular load along with thousands of passengers coming from Mithapur bus depot has completely chocked the area.

Such is the chaos, apparently, Bihar Rajya Pul Nirman Nigam Limited is preparing a detailed project report for constructing a 500m flyover at Karbighaiya to decongest the area.

Road mess

Station Road is totally messed up with ongoing construction work on the new flyover connecting Chiraiyatand bridge with Mithapur ROB over this road. The road has been occupied at various places because of the construction work. The stretch in front of Veena Cinema has turned out to be the worst point for vehicular movement on this road after closure of the northern flank of Chiraiyatand ROB. Unruly movement of auto-rickshaws and city buses was already obstructing traffic movement here. With closure of gates at R-Block has made it a perennial pain for commuters.

Traffic management

Patna traffic police sources claimed a closed-circuit television camera keeps a hawk eye on the station roundabout. Besides, six junior police officers and 24 constables have been posted near the roundabout to deal with traffic jams.

Master plan

Bihar Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation (BUIDCo) had conceptualised an ambitious plan, in 2013, to decongest and beautify the station area.

However, even after over a year, no action has been taken on the plan.

The redevelopment plan envisages two commercial complexes or malls on the northern side of Station Road, which would accommodate existing shops in the New Market located on the southern side of station road.

Apart from commercial complex, an auto rickshaw and bus stand was also proposed to be developed close to the under-construction multi-level parking facility that is being developed as part of Buddha Smriti Park project. Apart from de-clogging surrounding areas of Patna Junction, the master plan envisages development of open spaces and green areas.

Highly polluted

According to a recent study conducted by Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPCB), the concentration of ground level ozone - a colourless and highly irritating gas that forms just above the earth's surface - has been found to be highest at Dakbungalow Crossing (84.5µg/metre cube) and Patna Junction Roundabout (75.2 µg/metre cube).

According to Central Pollution Control Board, motor vehicle exhaust and industrial emissions are two major sources of nitrogen oxide and volatile organic compounds, which upon reaction to sunlight produce ground level ozone.