Thousands of commuters who rely on Bailey Road, also known as Nehru Path, are in for a difficult period ahead. Construction work on the Patna Metro project is set to accelerate along this stretch, and traffic diversions are already beginning to take shape. Diversion boards have been installed at several points along the road, and there is talk of shutting down a section entirely as the pace of work picks up. Bailey Road is among Patna's busiest thoroughfares, with thousands of vehicles passing through it every single day, which means congestion could become considerably worse in the weeks ahead.
An 8.5 km Underground Tunnel from Patna Junction to Patliputra Station
The Metro project calls for an underground tunnel roughly 8.5 kilometres long to be built connecting Patna Junction and Patliputra Station. The entire alignment passes through some of the most densely packed parts of the city, including areas with government offices, Rajabazar, major hospitals, and numerous schools and colleges. Key landmarks such as Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir, Women's College, and Patna Zoo also fall along this corridor. With so many critical destinations clustered here, any disruption to traffic flow will be felt widely across the city.
One-Way System and Commercial Vehicle Restrictions on the Cards
Barricading has already begun at multiple points along the route, signalling that significant changes to the traffic setup are imminent. Under the plan being considered, a one-way system for private vehicles may be introduced on certain stretches of the road. Restrictions on the movement of commercial vehicles through this corridor are also under active discussion. Officials have stated that a trial of the revised traffic arrangement will be conducted over the next few days, and if the trial goes smoothly, the new system will be implemented on a permanent basis.
Alternate Routes Available Until a Formal Plan is Announced
Until the traffic police roll out an official diversion plan with designated alternate corridors, commuters heading to or from Danapur have several options they can use right now.
- Towards Vikas Bhavan and Golf Club: Turn onto Virchand Patel Path from the Income Tax roundabout, then pass through R Block, Harding Road, Patel Golambar, Airport, and Dumra Chauki to re-enter Bailey Road.
- From Danapur towards Gandhi Maidan: All vehicle types coming from the Danapur side can proceed via Rupaspur Canal, joining JP Ganga Path (Marine Drive) and continuing towards Gandhi Maidan.
- From Danapur to Atal Path: Take the road past Shastrinagar Police Station, then travel through Rajvanshi Nagar and Punaichak to reach Atal Path.
- From Ashiyana Mor side: Use Digha-Ashiyana Road and head towards Rajiv Nagar.
