Bizmen, residents irked over removal of parking space under Raja Bazar flyover

Patna: The decision of the state govt to demolish the parking facility under the Raja Bazar flyover has sparked outrage among the business community and local residents. The govt has planned to develop greenery by planting saplings under the flyover, which at present is being used for parking. They also threatened to stage a protest if the demolition work is not stopped soon.
A meeting in this regard was held by the Bailey Road Janchetna Manch on Thursday, which was attended by the local businessmen and residents of the area.
They said there are many shops, offices, restaurants, malls, nursing homes and showrooms on both sides of the Bailley Road. But, there is only one public parking space in the area, which is under the Raja Bazar flyover, developed by the Bihar Rajya Pul Nirman Nigam Limited. Now, the Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) has started demolishing the parking lot and building boundary walls on both sides of the parking area to secure the place for plantation, which would create problems for them, they added.
When asked about the new development, the Urban Development and Housing Department minister, Nitin Nabin, said that he was unaware of the fact. “I will talk to the officials concerned and check the problem being faced by the people due to the lack of parking space,” he said.
Digha MLA, Sanjeev Chaurasia, said that some representatives of the local business community would meet him on Friday to talk over the issue. “I have also talked to the PMC commissioner, Animesh Kumar Parashar, on this issue and suggested him to do the plantation work by leaving alternate space for parking. Bailey Road is also a transit route for hundreds of residential colonies on its adjacent sides. Parking space is very necessary, for both— businessmen and common people,” Chaurasia said.
President of the Manch, Ajay Kumar Rocket, said the pace of vehicles under the Raja Bazar flyover remains slow even with the parking facility. “Bailey Road will face regular traffic congestion when the parking space is removed. There are several hospitals and nursing homes on Bailey Road. Patients and their family members will face much difficulty reaching the hospitals for treatment if such decision is not taken back,” he added.
Ziaullah Khan, a member of the manch, said they would submit memorandums to the officials concerned in this matter. “A duration of two days will be given to the govt to stop the work and leave space for parking, or we will protest against the government’s decision,” he added.
Despite several attempts, PMC commissioner didn’t picked up the call to give a statement over the issue.