THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, April 9: The Jharkhand High Court has pulled up the state government and Ranchi Municipal Corporation over the worsening condition of Ranchi’s subsidiary roads, demanding clear answers and swift action.
During a hearing on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), the division bench led by Chief Justice M.S. Ramachandra Rao expressed concern over the neglected state of city roads, directing the authorities to submit a detailed report outlining the steps taken for repairs. The court has scheduled the next hearing for May 5, by which time both the state and municipal bodies must present their responses.
Roads in Disrepair
The PIL, filed by advocate Shubham Kataruka, highlights the alarming condition of roads across Ranchi—excluding only the main thoroughfares. Several well-known streets, including Lake Road, Lalji Hirji Road, Vishnu Talkies Lane, Madhukam Road, Seva Sadan Path, Tagore Hill Road, and Lalpur-Kokar Road, are riddled with large potholes and suffer severe waterlogging even after mild rainfall.
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The petitioner alleges that despite ongoing promises and paperwork, road repair efforts remain largely cosmetic. In many cases, roads start deteriorating within six months of being built or resurfaced. The situation is reportedly dire in Upper Bazaar, where traffic congestion adds to the daily misery of navigating broken roads.
A Persistent Civic Issue
Residents of Ranchi have long complained about the poor condition of inner-city roads, which not only slow down traffic but also pose serious safety risks to commuters. The monsoon season typically worsens the issue, turning potholes into mini-craters and flooding key routes.
The High Court’s intervention brings a ray of hope for the citizens, many of whom have grown frustrated by years of inaction and temporary fixes. As the May 5 deadline approaches, all eyes will be on the government and Ranchi Municipal Corporation to see whether this time, action will follow the outrage.
