Night Shelter in Patna
From Neeraj Kumar
Patna: As temperatures continue to fall in the state capital, the Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) has fully readied all permanent, temporary and German-hangar night shelters to ensure that the homeless and destitute are not forced to spend cold winter nights in the open.
A large number of people are taking shelter at these facilities every day and have expressed satisfaction with the arrangements. Free accommodation is being provided, with beds allotted on verification of an Aadhaar card.
At the German-hangar night shelter near GPO Golambar, close to Patna Junction, residents appeared visibly relieved. Many said the facilities were comparable to those of a hotel, with no inconvenience whatsoever. They also suggested that such shelters should be set up at all district headquarters to help people who arrive in cities for work and get delayed at night.
The German-hangar shelters are equipped with double-decker bunk beds, high-quality mattresses, warm blankets, fans, mobile charging points, CCTV cameras and televisions. Free dinner comprising roti, vegetables and salad is served at night.
Raju Bhagat, who arrived from Thawe in Gopalganj for Aadhaar-related work at the Patna GPO, said he could not complete his work on the first day and was relieved to find free shelter for the night. “The arrangements are excellent. Clean toilets, safe drinking water and free food—everything is well managed,” he said.
Alok Kumar, another visitor from Gopalganj, said he had come to Patna to meet a friend and complete some work but got delayed. “I had heard about this facility. Getting shelter here was easy, and cleanliness and amenities are very good,” he said, adding that students appearing for competitive examinations would benefit greatly.
Vishal Kumar Singh from Chhapra, who is differently abled and undergoing treatment at IGIMS, said he found no accommodation at the hospital and turned to the night shelter. “After showing my disability card, I was given a bed. This hotel-like facility free of cost is a great relief,” he said.
Student Rajan Kumar from Baniyapur in Chhapra, who came to Patna to appear for the Railway Group D examination, said he could not find an affordable hotel late at night. “I had seen videos about this night shelter. Entry was given with just an Aadhaar card and mobile number. Such facilities should be available in every district,” he said.
Shelter supervisor Deepak Kumar said municipal staff are deployed in three shifts and inspections are carried out regularly. The GPO Golambar shelter has 32 beds, including 16 bunk beds. Fogging against mosquitoes is conducted every evening, mosquito nets are provided, and the German-hangar structure prevents cold air from entering.
Municipal Commissioner Yashpal Meena said the PMC’s objective is to ensure that no one is forced to sleep under the open sky during winter. A total of 988 beds have been arranged across the city. Patna currently has 12 German-hangar shelters, six permanent shelters and eight temporary shelters functioning across all five civic zones.
He appealed to citizens to inform nearby night shelters or the municipal control room if they see anyone spending the night outdoors in the cold. Caretakers have been deployed in three shifts for smooth operations.
All shelters are equipped with clean drinking water, toilets, mosquito nets, adequate blankets and free night meals. With further drops in temperature, two blankets will be provided to each person. Meals are supplied through Jeevika Didi kitchens. For security, CCTV cameras and fire extinguishers have been installed, and night patrolling by local police has been arranged.
Special night shelters for women have been set up at key locations, including Gandhi Maidan (near Maurya Hotel), near Buddha Smriti Park on Fraser Road, and at Patna City Nala. Only women are accommodated at these centres.
The PMC has issued a public appeal urging citizens to report anyone found sleeping in the open during cold nights. Complaints or information about night shelters can be obtained through the toll-free number 15534.
About the Author
