KKN Gurugram Desk | In an effort to tackle traffic congestion in Patna, the district administration has completed a comprehensive study of all major auto stands in the city. The final report will soon be submitted, which outlines plans to implement a zone-wise color coding for auto-rickshaws starting from April 1st. The preparation for this initiative, aimed at reducing traffic jams, has been in progress since September of the previous year. Here’s everything you need to know about this new system and how it will impact commuters in Patna.

The New Zone-Wise Color Coding System

Patna’s traffic management system will undergo a significant change with the introduction of a zone-wise color coding for auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws. The goal of this new system is to better manage the flow of vehicles, reduce congestion, and make the city’s transportation system more organized. Under this plan, auto-rickshaws will be divided into three main zones: Green, Yellow, and Blue. These zones will cover various parts of the city and streamline the operation of public transport vehicles.

Overview of the Three Zones

1. Green Zone
   The Green Zone will primarily cover the eastern and central parts of the city. This zone will include 18 major locations, which are considered some of the busiest areas in Patna. Currently, around 6,550 auto-rickshaws operate in this zone. However, after the final report is implemented, the number of authorized auto-rickshaws will be reduced to approximately 5,240. This move will help reduce overcrowding and improve traffic flow in the area.

2. Yellow Zone
   The Yellow Zone is the most heavily populated zone in terms of passengers. It includes some of the busiest areas of Patna, especially in the western part of the city. Currently, more than 25,000 passengers travel through this zone daily. The Yellow Zone has around 4,350 auto-rickshaws operating, with 3,480 of these having been finalized for operation in this zone. Some key areas in this zone include Rajabazar, Ashiana, Jagdev Path, Boring Road, and Patliputra.

3. Blue Zone
   The Blue Zone is the smallest of the three zones, with only seven designated locations for auto-rickshaw operations. This zone will cover relatively less crowded areas but will still be essential in managing traffic in those parts of the city.

Detailed Breakdown of the Auto Zones

1. Yellow Zone
   The Yellow Zone will cover the following areas:

• Rajabazar

• Ashiana

• Jagdev Path

• Multi-level Parking

• Boring Road Patliputra

• Bansghat

• Rajpur Pul

• Kurji Didha, Phase Road

• Saguna Mod

• Ram Nagri

• Sonpur

• Hajipur

These areas are well-known for their high passenger traffic, and the color coding will help streamline the auto-rickshaw services in these locations.

2. Green Zone
   The Green Zone will cover the following key locations in Patna:

• CDA Building

• Patna Junction

• Lohani Pur

• Khemnichak

• Ashank Rajpath

• Gayghat

• Khajekalan Chowk

• Patna City

• Kankarbagh

• Kumhrar

• Gulzarbagh

• Hanuman Nagar

• Siddhartha Pul

• Etwarpur

• Zero Mile

• ISBT Bairiya

• Rajendra Nagar Railway Station

These areas will see a significant reduction in congestion with the color-coded auto service, ensuring smoother traffic and better coordination.

3. Blue Zone
   The Blue Zone will include the following areas:

• GPO (General Post Office)

• Gardani Bagh

• Anisabad

• Phulwari Sharif

• Birla Colony

• Jagdev Path

• Purandarpur

The Blue Zone will mainly cater to areas with relatively less traffic, but the initiative will still play a crucial role in reducing the congestion in these locations.

Dedicated Parking Spaces for Auto-Rickshaws and E-Rickshaws

In addition to the zone-based color coding system, the city’s transport department is also working on providing dedicated parking spaces for auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws. These parking areas will help reduce illegal parking, which often contributes to traffic jams in busy areas. According to Raj Kumar Jha, the General Secretary of the Transport Federation, these new parking spaces will be established at several key locations across the city. Some of the designated parking sites will include:

• China Kothi

• Gandhi Maidan Rain Basera

• GPO

• Agamkua

These dedicated spaces will help streamline auto-rickshaw and e-rickshaw operations by providing safe, organized areas for vehicles to park when not in use.

The Goal of the New System

The introduction of the zone-based color coding system in Patna aims to achieve several key objectives:

1. Reduce Traffic Congestion
   Patna, like many other growing cities, faces significant traffic congestion, especially in its busiest areas. The color-coded system will help regulate auto-rickshaw operations and make the traffic flow smoother.

2. Improve Public Transport Efficiency
   By creating a structured system, the authorities aim to improve the efficiency of public transportation, ensuring that vehicles are not unnecessarily delayed and can operate at optimal levels.

3. Better Passenger Experience
   With clearer and more organized auto-rickshaw services, passengers will experience reduced waiting times and more reliable transportation options. The new color-coding system will help ensure that auto-rickshaws are available where they are needed most.

4. Environmental Benefits
   The city aims to reduce the overall pollution caused by traffic jams. By managing the movement of vehicles more effectively, the authorities hope to reduce fuel consumption and lower emissions, contributing to a cleaner environment.

5. Enhanced Safety
   With designated parking spots and a regulated system, safety for both drivers and passengers will improve. Organized operations will also reduce the risk of accidents caused by illegal or unregulated parking.

The implementation of the zone-based color coding system for auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws in Patna marks a significant step toward addressing the city’s traffic woes. Starting on April 1, 2025, this system is expected to bring about major changes in how the city’s public transport operates. By organizing auto-rickshaw services into three distinct zones—Green, Yellow, and Blue—Patna aims to reduce traffic congestion, improve public transport efficiency, and provide a better experience for passengers.

Moreover, the introduction of dedicated parking spaces for auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws will further enhance the city’s efforts to create a more organized, safer, and cleaner transportation system. As the system rolls out, Patna residents can look forward to a smoother commute and a more organized traffic flow, making the city more livable and efficient for everyone.