This year's Bihar Divas would be more than just cultural programmes. Motorists would be educated about traffic norms.

Traffic police would create awareness about rules during the three-day function from March 22.

The cops, in association with Bihar Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation (BUIDCo) and Bihar State Disaster Management Authority (BSDMA), would build a traffic park at Gandhi Maidan for residents to see and know the basic traffic rules. The police would also conduct classes for students, autorickshaw and bus drivers and even their peers.

A trial run of traffic signals was conducted last week and it resulted in utter confusion and chaos. Sources said many motorists couldn't understand how to move when lights are working. Several programmes would be organised at Gandhi Maidan during the celebrations.

A traffic park is one in which people, especially youths, can learn the rules of the road. Traffic parks are frequently created as an attraction within a larger park.

"The traffic park would be set up in a large area of the Maidan. Original blinking signals would be set up in the park for people to see and understand, Patna superintendent of police (traffic) P.K. Das told The Telegraph.

The officer said visitors would be educated about the significance of the three lights. "In all, 97 traffic signals would be installed in Patna by April-end. Right now, they have been installed at four points, namely Dakbungalow, Income Tax, Kotwali T Junction and Voltas crossings. The police want that by the time all traffic signals are installed and are operational, people should know the rules and follow those. The signals will be in blinking mode and people would be made aware of what each light means," he said.

Apart from this, instructions have also been given to the cops to ensure that those getting booked for traffic violations through the WhatsApp number (9234500601), which was launched in January, should get their fine tickets within 48 hours.

"The police have records of all vehicles right from Zero Mile to Danapur. A quick mobile unit (a cop on a bike) has been given the task to move around and click pictures of vehicles violating norms. Instructions have been given to ensure that once people click a picture of a vehicle violating any traffic rule, the vehicle owner should get the fine ticket with the picture of his vehicle, within 48 hours," the SP said.

He added: "During the three days of the Bihar Divas, classes would be organised for autorickshaw and bus drivers, school students and the police personnel manning traffic. Also, people would be taught in detail about ways to operate the WhatsApp number of the traffic police. Visitors would be shown how the police act once they receive a picture of a vehicle violating a traffic norm. Through these measures, people would be made aware and we hope they will help the police curb traffic violations in the city."