Patna Plagued by Perilous Potholes: Unsafe Roads Threaten Festivities

As of October 13, 2025, several stretches across Patna have been dug up for various civic and infrastructure projects, leaving the city's roads in a state of disrepair. The absence of barricades, warning signs, and proper lighting has turned many areas into accident-prone zones, particularly at night, even as the city gears up for the upcoming Diwali and Chhath festivities.

Affected areas include Kadamkuan, Bazar Samiti, Patliputra, Kurji, Digha, GPO roundabout, Chiraiyatand, Ramkrishna Colony, and Kankerbagh. Local residents have repeatedly brought the issue to the attention of civic authorities, but their concerns have yet to be addressed.

The poor road conditions have caused significant inconvenience to the residents. Rukmani Devi, a resident of Kamla Nehru Nagar, said the road has been damaged due to the construction of a drain, leading to vehicles being parked on the main road and causing traffic congestion. Similarly, Adarsh Sah, a resident of Daldali Road, said the installation of drainage pipes was stopped a month ago, leaving the dug-up stretch unmotorable and making it "scarier to commute during night time."

In response, the Divisional Commissioner-cum-Managing Director of the Bihar Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (Buidco), Animesh Kumar Parashar, has stated that stringent action will be taken against agencies or departments undertaking unauthorized road excavations. He has also issued directives to officials to attend to complaints, install warning signboards and barricades, and complete all pending road restoration work before the upcoming Chhath festival.