Ranchi Grapples with Widespread Street Light Failures, Residents Voice Safety Fears
Multiple neighborhoods in Jharkhand's capital city of Ranchi are facing significant security challenges after sunset due to extensive failures in street lighting infrastructure. Residents from areas including Doranda, Dhurwa, Kokar, Bariatu, and Peace Road have reported that streetlights in their localities have remained non-functional for extended periods, creating hazardous conditions for pedestrians and commuters navigating poorly lit roads.
Dark Streets Compromise Public Safety Across Key Localities
The illumination crisis has particularly affected major thoroughfares like Doranda Main Road, where despite existing infrastructure, numerous street lights fail to operate during evening hours. Similar complaints have emerged from Dhurwa, Kokar, Bariatu, Hatia, and Peace Road, where substantial stretches of roadway remain shrouded in darkness, severely impacting daily movement and public security.
Local residents emphasize that poorly illuminated streets significantly elevate risks of road accidents, criminal activities, and harassment targeting vulnerable groups including women, children, and elderly citizens. The absence of reliable public lighting has transformed evening commutes into perilous journeys through urban shadows.
Residents Describe Daily Struggles in Dimly Lit Neighborhoods
Rakesh Kumar, a regular commuter, highlighted the precarious situation: "Street lights either remain completely non-functional or switch off unpredictably. After 7 pm, Doranda Main Road becomes particularly unsafe for two-wheelers and pedestrians. The only illumination comes from shop lights lining both sides of the road."
Sunita Devi, a Bariatu resident, shared similar concerns: "We have lighting poles installed throughout our area, but they simply don't work. Children returning from coaching classes and working professionals coming home feel genuinely insecure every single evening."
Commuters further noted dangerous visibility issues at intersections and curves. Vikram Singh, a city resident, explained: "In Hatia and Dhurwa, entire road sections remain completely dark, making it nearly impossible to spot potholes and approaching traffic."
Growing Demands for Municipal Action and Infrastructure Overhaul
Frustrated citizens have urgently appealed to the Ranchi Municipal Corporation to conduct immediate repairs and establish systematic maintenance protocols for street lighting across the city. With increasing traffic volumes and ongoing urban expansion, residents argue that functional public lighting represents not a luxury but a fundamental civic necessity essential for ensuring safety, mobility, and psychological security after dark.
Municipal Officials Cite Systemic Challenges and Funding Constraints
Ranchi Municipal Corporation officials have acknowledged the persistent problem of non-functional street lights, attributing it to multiple factors including aging infrastructure, cable theft incidents, and insufficient regular maintenance. Municipal Commissioner Sushant Gaurav stated: "Regular upkeep of street lights is being conducted based on both public complaints and observations during routine inspections. Repair work and installation of remaining poles will proceed in a phased manner as funds become available, with priority areas being identified accordingly."
The commissioner's statement underscores the administrative challenges in addressing this widespread infrastructure deficiency while balancing budgetary limitations. As Ranchi continues its urban development trajectory, the street lighting crisis highlights the growing gap between expanding city boundaries and essential public service provision, leaving residents to navigate darkness while awaiting systemic solutions.
