Ranchi Bus Stand Fire Ignites Safety Crisis at Key Transport Hub
A day after a devastating fire gutted six buses parked at the Khadgada bus stand in Ranchi, drivers, operators, and passengers have united in voicing serious concerns about the glaring absence of basic safety and civic amenities at one of the city's busiest transportation centers. The incident has exposed critical vulnerabilities that could potentially lead to a far worse disaster in the future if immediate corrective measures are not implemented.
Strategic Hub Operating Without Fire Safety Measures
Rana Bajrangi, president of the Khadgada Bus Chalak Sangh, highlighted the strategic importance of the bus stand, which serves as a crucial regional connector. "Approximately 500 to 600 buses, including night services, operate daily from this stand," Bajrangi stated. "The day service buses travel to destinations within a 200-kilometer radius, covering key locations such as Simdega, Daltonganj, Tata, Hazaribag, Koderma, and Deoghar." At any given time, around 50 buses are parked inside the premises, making the lack of fire-fighting preparations particularly alarming.
History of Neglect and Inadequate Administrative Response
This is not the first such incident at the Khadgada bus stand. In June 2023, a similar blaze destroyed three buses, yet lessons from that case were never properly implemented. Bajrangi pointed out the administrative shortcomings, saying, "After the last fire, a fire tender was deployed at the stand for only two to four days before being withdrawn." He added that there is no permanent fire post, no fire extinguishers, and no surveillance system in place. Compounding the risk, condemned and out-of-use buses are parked on the same premises due to the absence of a separate garage.
Daily Commuters Face Multiple Hardships
Bus driver Mukesh Singh shed light on the daily challenges faced by operators and passengers. "There are no service points for washing or inspecting buses, no proper drinking water facilities, and inadequate sanitation," Singh explained. With nearly 5,000 passengers commuting daily, the absence of an ambulance on standby further exacerbates the safety concerns. Passengers like Sakshi, who was bound for Hazaribag, echoed these worries, stating, "If a fire breaks out during peak hours, evacuation will be impossible given the current conditions."
Operators Question Parking Tax Without Corresponding Services
Bus operators have raised additional grievances regarding the lack of visible authority and safety personnel at the stand. Despite paying Rs 150 per bus as parking tax to the Ranchi Municipal Corporation, there is no consistent presence of traffic police or dedicated safety staff. This financial contribution has not translated into improved infrastructure or enhanced security measures, leaving the transport hub vulnerable to repeated incidents.
The collective outcry from all stakeholders underscores an urgent need for comprehensive safety upgrades at the Khadgada bus stand. As one of Ranchi's primary transport nodes, ensuring robust fire safety protocols, adequate civic amenities, and effective administrative oversight is imperative to prevent future tragedies and safeguard the thousands who depend on this facility daily.
