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• A fire department survey has found that only 80 of Patna’s 241 registered hotels fully comply with prescribed fire safety norms and have obtained the required No Objection Certificates (NOCs).
• The highest non-compliance was recorded in the city’s busiest hotel clusters, where deficiencies include inadequate emergency exits, narrow staircases, limited access for fire tenders and insufficient firefighting infrastructure.
• Authorities have intensified inspections and enforcement measures following previous hotel fire incidents, with non-compliant establishments being directed to upgrade safety systems and address structural shortcomings.
A recent fire safety survey has raised concerns about the preparedness of Patna’s hospitality sector, revealing that only 80 of the city’s 241 registered hotels currently meet prescribed fire safety standards. The findings have prompted authorities to intensify compliance measures and review safety infrastructure across hotel establishments operating in the Bihar capital.
According to the survey conducted by the fire department, 161 hotels are yet to achieve full compliance with mandatory safety requirements. While some properties have implemented partial measures, many continue to face shortcomings related to emergency evacuation systems, firefighting equipment and overall building safety arrangements. Authorities have issued notices and directions to non-compliant establishments, requiring them to undertake corrective measures within stipulated timelines.
The assessment examined several critical parameters, including the availability of emergency exits, the width and accessibility of staircases, open space around buildings for firefighting operations and compliance with occupancy norms. Officials noted that many older hotel structures were constructed before current fire safety standards came into force, making structural upgrades challenging. In several cases, narrow access roads and congested building layouts could hamper evacuation and firefighting efforts during emergencies.
The survey highlighted stark variations across different parts of the city. Areas with a high concentration of commercial hotels recorded some of the lowest compliance levels, while several suburban localities reported significantly better adherence to safety norms. The findings have renewed concerns over the vulnerability of densely built hospitality zones where emergency response operations may face logistical challenges.
The latest review comes against the backdrop of heightened fire safety awareness following major incidents in recent years. A deadly hotel fire near Patna Junction in April 2024 exposed serious lapses in safety compliance and triggered a series of audits across hotels and other public establishments. Subsequent inspections identified widespread deficiencies and prompted authorities to strengthen monitoring and enforcement mechanisms.
Fire department officials have stressed that compliance extends beyond obtaining certificates and requires regular maintenance of firefighting systems, emergency preparedness measures and adherence to safety protocols. Alongside enforcement, authorities have also been conducting awareness initiatives and encouraging institutions to carry out regular safety drills and infrastructure upgrades.
With Patna continuing to attract business travellers, tourists and students, the survey has underscored the need for stronger safety standards across the hospitality sector. Officials have indicated that inspections and compliance drives will continue, with stricter action likely against establishments that fail to address identified deficiencies.
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