Ranchi: Passengers and bus operators have voiced serious concerns over the deteriorating condition of the government bus stand near the Ranchi railway station, particularly with the monsoon season approaching. Commuters have described the building as dilapidated, with peeling plaster and damaged steps posing safety risks. Operators have reported that the premises frequently become waterlogged during rains, disrupting both bus and passenger movement.
Daily Commuter Traffic and Infrastructure Neglect
Thousands of passengers use the bus stand daily to travel to destinations such as Jamshedpur, Dhanbad, Deoghar, and Hazaribag. Both commuters and drivers have noted that infrastructure neglect has persisted for years, with minimal improvements in amenities.
Driver Accounts
Mansha Munda, a bus driver, stated that around 50 air-conditioned buses operating under the Jharkhand Drutgami Vatanukulit Deluxe Bus Sewa initiative use the stand for district services. “Despite being a prominent bus depot, the building looks like it might collapse at any moment. With the rains approaching, the risk of such an accident increases manifold. However, the government and the concerned department have not yet initiated any redevelopment to upgrade the facility,” Munda said.
Another driver, Dinesh Yadav, highlighted that waterlogging severely affects operations. “Waterlogging makes it difficult for buses to enter and exit the depot, impacting passengers, drivers, and staff alike. The inundation also damages vehicle parts, causing financial losses for bus operators,” he explained.
Commuters' Grievances
Commuters have also flagged the lack of functional drinking water facilities, toilets, and seating. Elderly passenger Prahlad Sahu noted that the approach to the ticket counter is unsafe and inaccessible. “Bricks on the concrete steps leading to the ticket counter have come out, indicating an urgent need for renovation. There is not even a handrail to support while climbing the steps, let alone a ramp,” he said.
Government Response
Sunil Kumar, principal secretary of the urban development and housing department, stated, “The department will soon revamp three bus depots in the city: Khadgarha, the government bus stand, and the ITI bus stand. An estimated Rs 20 crore has been allocated for the redevelopment of the government bus stand, and work will commence shortly. After completion, the depot will be transformed into a modern bus stand with all amenities, resolving the current issues.”
