Patna, May 7: The Bihar Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, is set to expand today at Gandhi Maidan in Patna. In light of the event, significant changes have been made to the traffic arrangements in the city, with strict restrictions imposed on several major routes.
The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for 12:10 PM, where the Governor will administer the oath of office and secrecy to the new ministers.
This cabinet expansion is considered crucial in Bihar’s political landscape, occurring after a power shift when Nitish Kumar resigned as Chief Minister, paving the way for senior BJP leader Samrat Chaudhary, who took the oath on April 14.
Speculations are rife that Nitish Kumar’s son, Nishant Kumar, may also secure a position in the cabinet.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP National President Nitin Nabin have already arrived in Patna, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also expected to attend the swearing-in ceremony.
Prior to the cabinet expansion, several rounds of meetings were held between state leadership and the NDA leadership at the Centre, which included discussions with senior BJP leaders. A crucial meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah is believed to have been decisive in finalizing the list of ministers.
Additionally, talks were held with NDA allies such as Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Jitan Ram Manjhi, and Chirag Paswan to maintain balance and coordination within the alliance.
In a significant political development, Samrat Chaudhary met with JDU National President and former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, which is seen as a sign of unity within the NDA ahead of the cabinet expansion.
According to the traffic police advisory, vehicle movement will be completely restricted from Sheikhpura Mor to the airport. Routes from Airport Roundabout to Eastern Patel Roundabout and from Rajendra Chowk to Patel Roundabout will also be sealed.
Furthermore, the entire area from Patel Roundabout to Income Tax Roundabout, including Harding Road, Irrigation Bhawan, and R-Block, has been declared a ‘No Entry Zone.’ Restrictions will also be in place on the route heading north from Chitkohra Roundabout.
Strict traffic control will be enforced at several major intersections, including Income Tax Roundabout, Dak Bungalow, JP Roundabout, Ramgulam Chowk, Bakarganj, and Kargil Chowk.
Entry from New Dak Bungalow Road to SP Verma Road will be closed. Passengers heading to the airport are advised to use alternative routes via Jagdev Path and Raja Bazaar.
Meanwhile, those traveling to Patna Junction are recommended to approach from Karbigahiya to avoid congestion in the city’s main areas.
In light of the potential visit from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other VIP guests, security measures have been significantly tightened.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
