No end to waterlogging around Patna Junction

Patna: First impression is the last impression, they say. For those visiting the state capital for the first time from different parts of the country and abroad, the dirt and filth in and around Patna Junction certainly does not make a good impression. "It's true that the area around the city airport is well-maintained, but majority of people travel by train. Knee deep water and mud leave a bad impression in the minds of travellers once they step out of the station," said Surendra Pratap, who boarded a train for New Delhi on Sunday.

With little rain, the area around Patna Junction not becomes waterlogged, making life difficult for commuters. Subodh Singh, a contractor, who was standing near the waterlogged potholes, blamed the authorities concerned for the mess. "We cover our faces to get rid of bad stench emanating from the stagnant water and garbage. Everyone talks of 'Swachch Abhiyaan', but the ground reality is zero," said Subodh.

Even the devotees visiting Hanuman temple and the mosque near the station suffer a lot. Members of the mosque committee said they had to hire private pumps to drain out water from the nearby road, which otherwise is the responsibility of Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC).

Shahzade Alam, who owns a shop in the area, said, "This place is neglected because an airport is already there in the city for the VIPs. The ongoing flyover construction work has further worsened the situation. PMC officials are totally clueless about the drainage system of this locality. Can they show us the map of drain and sewerage system? I know they don't have any. Even cleaning work is not done on regular basis."

PMC commissioner Abhishek Singh said the problem near the station was because of ongoing construction of a flyover by Bihar Rajya Pul Nirman Nigam Limited. "Since several development projects are in progress, people have to bear with it. We have instructed the officials of the departments concerned to look into the matter. I will visit the spot with engineers and officials of road construction department on Monday," said the PMC commissioner.

Apart from waterlogging, mud and silt on the road, haphazard traffic and encroachment all around has added to the woes of commuters. Even though the area for auto stand has been marked, auto drivers pick passengers from almost everywhere. Even commuters use the wrong side of the road in presence of traffic cops. Same is the condition of bus queue shelter, where buses hardly stop sue to lack of approach road.