Studies raise concern over Patna’s weak transport system

• TOI.in

• Published On Aug 29, 2025 at 07:18 PM IST

Two-wheelers made up over 62% of new vehicle registrations in Patna in FY24, according to data from the government’s Vahan portal.

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Two-wheelers continue to dominate Patna’s roads, accounting for more than 62 per cent of newly registered vehicles in the financial year 2023-24. The data, drawn from the govt’s ‘Vahan’ portal, was highlighted on Thursday during the release of two reports on the city’s transport and environment challenges. The studies, titled “From gridlock to green inclusive mobility: Analysing traffic, air quality and public transport opportunities in Patna” and “Assessment of Bihar EV Policy 2023“, were prepared by two environment-focused organisations in collaboration with IIT BHU. The findings paint a grim picture of rising air pollution, suffocating traffic jams and a frail public transport system. Transport, the reports said, contributes between 4-13 per cent of PM10 and 7-18 per cent of PM2.5 concentrations in Patna with pollution peaking during both summer and winter.

Traffic congestion is now so acute that vehicle speeds in peak hours frequently crawl below 10km per hour. Rapid urbanisation and an increasing reliance on private vehicles have worsened the problem while public transport remains grossly inadequate. Patna requires over 1,250 buses to meet commuter needs, yet only 260 were registered in the last financial year. At the same time, 64 per cent of residents do not own private vehicles, leaving them dependent on either a skeletal public system or on non-motorised means of travel.

Mayor Sita Sahu said, “Patna is ready to adopt innovative solutions to improve the quality of life of its citizens. These studies provide us with clear direction and concrete suggestions.”

The reports also underlined the urgency of pushing electric vehicles (EVs). Patna’s EV penetration rose at 7.28 per cent in 2022-23 — higher than both the state average of 5.30 per cent and the national average of 4.11 per cent. Yet EV users face obstacles such as power cuts, a shortage of public charging stations, unsafe charging practices, and substandard batteries.

Ekta Shekhar, director of one of the organisations, emphasised the human cost of inaction. “This is not just about vehicles or technology, but about people and their shared future. Clean mobility means healthy lungs, safe roads and a strong economy,” she said. Sunil Dahiya, founder and principal analyst of another organisation, stressed the urgency of coordinated responses. “Patna’s problems like traffic congestion, pollution and weak public transport are interconnected and require immediate solutions. Our study brings forward the voice of commuters and solid data,” he said. Adding an academic perspective, Abhishek Mudgal, assistant professor at IIT BHU, described the city as being at a turning point. “Patna is now at a crucial juncture. Smart traffic management, robust bus corridors, and clear transport policies will not only reduce emissions but also ease daily hardships,” he said.