PMC opens ‘Square Street’ to relocate vendors, ease traffic

Patna: Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) has transformed a long-abandoned plot of land opposite the Patna Museum in Chajjubagh into a dedicated recreational zone named Square Street. Spread across more than 2,000 square metres, the newly developed space is designed to accommodate food vendors who will soon shift from the roadside to organised stalls within the complex.All construction work has been completed and preparations are under way to relocate roadside vendors so residents can use the area as a designated hangout spot. This is the first of five such projects planned by PMC to create organised public spaces within the city where people can relax and enjoy street food without causing traffic disruption.The initiative is aimed at addressing two concerns simultaneously — providing a structured recreational area and removing encroachments from busy roads. By allotting vendors a defined space to operate, the civic body expects to reduce congestion and improve pedestrian and vehicular movement in surrounding areas.A municipal official associated with the project said the land had earlier been filled with sludge and waste. Nearly 60 hyvas were deployed over a month to clear and level the site before beautification work began. The area has since been developed with basic landscaping and public amenities.Around 30 benches have been installed for visitors, and lamp posts have been placed across the premises to ensure proper lighting. Trees and plantations are decorated with strip lights to enhance the ambience. A public washroom has been constructed and is expected to become functional within a week after final touches are completed.PMC spokesperson Priya Saurabh said the space is intended to encourage community engagement. “People can use these spots to sing, play games, and eat,” she said.Municipal commissioner Yashpal Meena said more such projects are in progress. “One project is located near the Patna Junction, near the old multi-level car parking, where food vendors and sellers can set up stalls to relieve the area of congestion and traffic. Three more sites are planned in Madrassa Lane, Mandiri Chinea Koti and near the Digha Golambar, where vendors from J P Ganga Path can set up their shops,” he said.Work to clear and level these sites has already begun. Vendors will be issued ‘vendor cards’ linking them to various Bihar govt schemes, providing a safer and regulated alternative to operating unauthorised roadside stalls.