PMC updates app with new features

Patna: In a push towards ‘Digital Patna’, the Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) has rolled out key updates to the ‘Ward Finder’ feature on its app, aimed at making civic services more accessible and enabling residents to resolve issues without visiting offices.

With the update, citizens can click on ‘Find Your Ward’ and instantly view details of all ward-level officials, including the ward councillor, executive officer, city manager, executive engineer, assistant engineer, chief sanitary inspector (CSI) and sanitary inspector (SI), along with their contact numbers. The move is intended to give residents direct access to officials so complaints can be raised from home.

A PMC official said the app now also integrates a WhatsApp chatbot service. “When users tap on property tax queries or general complaints, they are redirected to WhatsApp, where they can submit grievances, ask questions or track requests in real time,” the official said.

Officials said the update is expected to reduce response time and minimise the need for physical visits to municipal offices. The app also introduces an interactive ‘Patna Municipal Corporation Ward Map’ feature. After selecting a ward number, users can view its geographic spread, with boundaries marked in red. Options to zoom in, zoom out and reset the view are also available. However, officials noted the map is still being refined, and detailed location data will be added in future updates.

PMC plans to launch the upgraded app after final testing. Once fully operational, it will serve as a digital directory of the city’s civic infrastructure. Residents will be able to access digital records of roads, drains, pipelines, parks, public toilets, cremation grounds, parking spaces and other municipal assets. The app will also help users locate the nearest toilet, parking area, PMC office or cremation ground within any ward.

A senior PMC official said the initiative is part of a broader effort to digitise civic governance. “The focus is on transparency and convenience. If people know who to contact and where to access services, issues can be resolved faster,” the official said.