Citizens in Patna are facing a double whammy these days. On one hand, designated parking spaces in major markets are encroached upon by shopkeepers and vendors, leaving no room for vehicles. On the other hand, the traffic police and Smart City administration are issuing heavy fines for parking on the roadside. In the last few weeks alone, thousands of automatic challans have been sent to vehicle owners’ mobile phones.
According to recent data, between December 1 and January 22, smart cameras detected over 4,800 cases of wrong parking. Out of these, challans were issued to 2,371 vehicle owners after verifying their number plates. The administration has made it clear that strict action will continue against those parking in no-parking zones.
Why are Patna residents getting automatic challans?
The Patna Smart City Limited has installed high-resolution cameras connected to the Integrated Command Control Centre (ICCC). These cameras use Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology. If a vehicle is parked on the main road for a long duration, the camera captures the number plate, and an e-challan is instantly generated. This system is active 24/7, making it impossible to escape penalties if you break the rule.
How much is the fine for wrong parking in Patna?
The fines for parking violations are quite steep for the common man. If you are caught parking in a no-parking zone or obstructing traffic, you have to pay a significant amount.
| Violation Type | Fine Amount / Stat |
| Initial Fine | Rs 500 |
| Maximum Fine (with towing) | Rs 2,500 |
| Total Detections (Dec-Jan) | 4,806 |
| Challans Issued | 2,371 |
Which areas are under strict camera surveillance?
The administration has identified several high-traffic zones where these smart cameras are fully active. Major areas include Boring Road, Exhibition Road, Ashok Rajpath, Station Road to Gandhi Maidan, and Nehru Path. In places like Boring Canal Road, 90% of marketing complexes do not have functional parking for visitors because they are either occupied by shops or used for other purposes.
What is the administration doing about encroachment?
While citizens are paying fines, the administration is also running drives to clear encroachments. Special teams are removing vendors and unauthorized shops from footpaths and road edges. In a recent drive on January 21, fines worth Rs 47,400 were collected from encroachers. Officials have stated that main roads must be kept clear for traffic, and strict legal action will be taken against shopkeepers who occupy parking spaces.
