Partying late in safe Patna
Dec 10, 2006 - 1:53:22 PM
, Reviewed by: Priya Saxena
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But at the same time, the city is plagued by some serious infrastructure problems, which need to be remedied immediately.
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By Arpana, RxPG News Service,
[RxPG] Patna, Dec 10 - Once a metaphor for lawlessness and urban decline, Patna has come a long way to become a happening city, thanks to a much-improved governance and a booming economy.
A visit to the capital of Bihar - where a new government came to power last year - helps change the erstwhile perception about the safety of its people. With an improved law and order situation, women are now seen venturing out alone, driving cars and even taking children to favourite evening hangouts, which were unimaginable until a couple of years ago.
'Earlier, we were so petrified that in spite of being financially well-off, we couldn't enjoy our lives. But now things have changed. We have started living a normal life. There is a marked improvement in law and order,' Anjani, a housewife with two children, told IANS.
'New restaurants are coming up. The government is also making efforts to provide entertainment to the public,' she added.
After living in fear for decades, the city is finally getting back to normalcy. In fact, travelling into the interiors of the state has now become less risky. Crime rates in villages have also declined.
The city's business community is also reaping benefits of the current positive trend.
The purchasing power of consumers has gone up significantly. 'There was a 43 percent growth in the sales of Maruti cars in 2006. We have sold the highest number of cars in eastern zone this year,' said Rakesh Prasad, owner of a Maruti showroom in the city.
Ever since the new government came to power last year, the fear factor has started evaporating and people feel more relaxed now, he added.
Talking about the significant changes, Singh said: 'One of the most significant changes seen in the last one year is the city's business community fearlessly investing money in new projects. Earlier, people dreaded showing off their earnings.'
Apart from the mushrooming of new shopping malls and an increase in cars plying on roads, what has come as a relief is that people have started enjoying their lives.
'Patna is like any other city. I don't understand why people fear so much. We also go out with friends and freak out,' retorted Priya, a student of Patna Women's College.
However, youngsters feel the city should have more entertainment spots. Also, they want better public transport facility.
Another growing demand among the citizens is that the state government needs to create job opportunities on a large scale.
With an aim to improving healthcare facilities in the state, the government has decided to open a regional branch of the All India Medical Institute of Sciences - in Patna.
But at the same time, the city is plagued by some serious infrastructure problems, which need to be remedied immediately.
People hope that the city will soon prosper and, like many Indian cities of its size, become a favourite investment destination for non-resident Indians -.
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