Ranchi Biker's Tragic Death Spotlights City's Hazardous Road Infrastructure
The tragic death of a biker who fell into an open pit in Ranchi on Friday has reignited urgent concerns about the dangerously poor condition of roads throughout the state capital. This fatal incident underscores the severe risks that defective infrastructure poses daily to commuters, pedestrians, and especially vulnerable two-wheeler riders.
Open Drains and Missing Guard Walls Create Perilous Conditions
Across numerous localities in Ranchi, open drains running adjacent to roads remain completely unprotected, lacking essential guard walls or safety railings. This negligence transforms routine travel into a hazardous endeavor, particularly during nighttime hours and the monsoon season when visibility is reduced and surfaces become slippery.
Ward 36 councilor candidate Sabita Kujur expressed grave concerns, stating, "There are multiple stretches where roads pass directly over open drains without any protection whatsoever. One slip, especially by a motorcyclist or a child, can have fatal consequences." This sentiment reflects a broader frustration with what many describe as deep-rooted administrative apathy toward public safety.
Residents Identify Specific Danger Zones Across the City
In the Kokar area, residents have repeatedly flagged extremely risky spots near the Distillery Bridge and within the Kokar industrial zone. Here, poorly secured pavements run perilously close to open drains. Although some major potholes and craters have received temporary filling recently, the continued absence of protective barriers keeps these areas dangerously exposed.
Similar hazardous conditions persist along the busy Kokar industrial corridor, where uneven road surfaces and exposed drain edges remain unaddressed. In Bariatu and Chiraundi, locals frequently complain about potholes that reappear shortly after superficial repairs, significantly increasing the risk of skidding accidents for vehicles.
Congested Commercial Areas Face Heightened Risks
The infrastructure problem becomes even more acute in densely packed commercial districts like Kantatoli and Bahu Bazar. These areas feature large open drains running parallel to already narrow roads, compounded by heavy pedestrian traffic, roadside vendor encroachments, and constant vehicular movement—creating a perfect storm for accidents.
Deepak, a shopkeeper at the Kantatoli bus stand, highlighted the daily dangers: "During nighttime or rainfall, it becomes nearly impossible to distinguish where the road ends and the drain begins. This confusion puts everyone at risk."
Municipal Response and Promised Action
When questioned about these critical safety issues, Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) Deputy Municipal Commissioner Gautam Prasad Sahu acknowledged ongoing efforts. He stated, "Road upgradation works are being carried out regularly across the city. We have established a dedicated road management team specifically instructed to identify all accident-prone roads and dangerous open drains under RMC jurisdiction. These identified locations will be treated as top priority and addressed with urgency."
However, residents and local candidates remain skeptical, calling for immediate, tangible improvements rather than promises, emphasizing that every day of delay continues to endanger lives on Ranchi's treacherous roads.
