Walking in Ranchi has become an increasingly perilous activity, with residents reporting a sharp decline in road safety. The core issue stems from motorists routinely ignoring demarcated white lines meant to protect pedestrian zones, effectively transforming sidewalks into informal extensions of the traffic lane.
City-Wide Menace on Key Roads
The problem is rampant across multiple congestion-prone areas of the city. Locations such as Station Road, Lalpur, Kokar, Ashoknagar, Namkum, Kanke, and Bariatu are particularly affected. During peak hours, the situation deteriorates further as drivers of two-wheelers and cars cross the boundary lines to overtake queues or create shortcuts. This reckless behavior leaves those on foot with dangerously shrinking space, often erasing the boundary between vehicles and people entirely.
Close Calls and Compounding Issues
The daily chaos has led to several frightening incidents for citizens. Anjali Yadav, a resident of Lalpur, shared her harrowing experience. "I was walking near the road marking when my leg slipped, and I accidentally hit a rider's helmet as he was riding through the pedestrian side," she recounted. While she escaped with mild injuries, Yadav acknowledged the potential for more serious outcomes, stating, "It could have been much more serious if the vehicle were faster or if there were more people around."
Illegal parking adds another layer of danger to the crisis, blocking whatever limited walking space remains after vehicular encroachment. This double burden forces pedestrians onto active carriageways, significantly increasing their risk of accidents.
Official Response and Public Appeal
Traffic authorities confirm that action is being taken against these violations. SP (Traffic) Rakesh Kumar clarified the penalty, stating, "Illegal parking is an offence, and a fine of ₹500 is imposed on violators." He added that the traffic police are actively issuing challans against vehicles parked in no-parking zones or those obstructing pedestrian movement.
However, pedestrians point to poor lane discipline and a fundamental lack of respect for road markings as the key reasons behind the persistent chaos. Frustrated by the constant risk, residents have made a strong appeal to the authorities. They are calling for stricter enforcement and sustained monitoring at vulnerable stretches across the city to reclaim safe walking spaces and restore order on Ranchi's roads.
