Ahead of the New Year celebrations, a stringent police campaign against traffic violations in Ranchi has prompted a significant shift in how residents are choosing to travel. The enforcement drive, focused on drunk driving and rash driving, has led to a noticeable increase in people opting for hired taxi services instead of driving themselves, indicating a move towards safer alternatives.
Strict Checks and Visible Impact on Commuting
On December 30, the Ranchi police deployed personnel at approximately 30 crucial junctions and busy stretches across the city. The year-end initiative aimed to curb accidents and ensure public safety during the festive period. City Superintendent of Police (SP) Paras Rana observed that officers at checkpoints reported fewer self-driven vehicles in the late evening hours. In contrast, app-based cabs and hired taxis were frequently seen transporting groups who were out celebrating in anticipation of New Year's Eve.
SP Rana stated that the police checked between 800 to 900 vehicles across all checkpoints on that day. "Many people were celebrating and consuming liquor, but they were also conscious about public safety," he said. He attributed the trend to growing awareness among residents about road safety, coupled with the deterrent effect of hefty fines and strict legal action.
Violations Recorded and Continued Vigilance
Despite the positive trend, several violations were still recorded. Traffic SP Rakesh Singh, who was personally present at two city locations on December 30, provided details. "During which, around 12 people were indulging in drunk driving and 40 people were found driving two–wheelers without helmets," Singh reported. Vehicles of those caught drunk driving were seized by the police.
The special drive is not a one-day event. SP Paras Rana confirmed that the enforcement campaign would continue through New Year's Eve and into January 1. Supporting this, SP Rakesh Singh added that another 15 police teams were deployed across the city on December 30 and 31 to maintain the pressure on traffic rule violators.
A Shift Towards Responsible Celebrations
The overall picture from Ranchi suggests that the combined effect of police vigilance and citizen awareness is creating a safer environment for the New Year festivities. The visible rise in taxi usage points to a community-level adaptation, where residents are proactively choosing to avoid risks associated with drunk and rash driving. The police crackdown, while penalising offenders, appears to be successfully encouraging more responsible behaviour on the roads, setting a precedent for future holiday seasons.
