Ranchi residents experienced a welcome relief from traffic jams this weekend. The Naga Baba Khatal stretch near the Ratu Road flyover, long notorious for congestion, saw smoother vehicle flow. This change followed the inauguration of a new auto rickshaw and e-rickshaw stand by the Ranchi Municipal Corporation on Saturday.
A Long-Standing Traffic Headache Gets a Solution
For years, this area remained a major traffic hotspot. The core problem was chaotic parking. Auto rickshaws would stop randomly along the roadside to pick up and drop off passengers. This was especially problematic near the old market area. The result was predictable: slow-moving traffic, frequent gridlocks, and immense inconvenience for daily commuters and pedestrians alike.
Transforming Old Market Land into a Regulated Hub
The municipal corporation tackled the issue head-on. They developed the new stand on land that previously housed a local market. The newly built facility is spacious, with the capacity to accommodate approximately 500 auto rickshaws and e-rickshaws. The primary aim was clear: to regulate vehicle movement and take the pressure off this critical and busy corridor.
Officials have already noted a positive impact. Since the stand became operational, vehicle flow has improved noticeably, even during the hectic peak hours. The Times of India also observed the improved situation on the ground.
Officials and Police Ensure the Initiative's Success
RMC Administrator Sushant Gaurav emphasized the importance of public cooperation. He stated that public participation is essential for such initiatives to succeed. People must be responsible and support these regulatory efforts. He explained that existing infrastructural resources were repurposed to create this auto stand. Given the urgent need of the location to curb traffic congestion, he described this as a vital and important step.
To ensure drivers follow the new rules, traffic police have been deployed at the site. A lady traffic police constable, Driyavati, detailed her duty. She said they are stationed there to ensure auto drivers do not stop on the main road. Their job is to instruct drivers not to halt for pick-ups or drop-offs outside the designated area and to direct them into the new stand.
Auto Drivers Welcome the Organized System
The move has received a positive response from the auto-rickshaw drivers themselves. One driver operating from the new stand shared his perspective. He said the new arrangement has brought much-needed clarity. Previously, there was constant confusion and frequent arguments during passenger pick-up and drop-off. Now, they have a fixed and official place to stand and wait.
However, he pointed out one remaining challenge. Passengers still need to become aware of this new stand's location so they know where to find the autos. Overall, the initiative marks a significant step towards decongesting one of Ranchi's most problematic traffic points.
