Delhi biker’s death puts focus back on open pits, drains on Ranchi streets

Ranchi: The death of a biker after falling into a pit in New Delhi on Friday brought back the focus on poor condition of roads in various localities of the state capital, posing serious risks to commuters and pedestrians.In many parts of the city, open drains next to roads remain without guard walls or protective railings, turning travelling a risky affair during the night and during the monsoon season. Several ward councillor candidates said such unsafe infrastructure reflects deep-rooted apathy. “There are multiple stretches where roads pass directly over open drains without any protection. One slip, especially by a two-wheeler or a child, can turn fatal,” said Ward 36 candidate Sabita Kujur.In Kokar, residents have flagged risky spots near the Distillery Bridge and within the Kokar industrial area, where poorly secured pavements run alongside drains. While several craters and major pits have been filled recently, locals say the absence of guard walls continues to make these stretches dangerous.Similar concerns persist along the Kokar industrial area, a busy corridor where uneven road surfaces and open drain edges remain exposed.

In Bariatu and Chiraundi, residents frequently complain about potholes that reappear after temporary repairs, increasing the risk of skidding accidents.The problem is even more pronounced in congested commercial zones such as Kantatoli and Bahu Bazar, where large open drains run parallel to narrow roads. With heavy pedestrian movement, roadside vendors and constant traffic, these stretches are seen as accident-prone.

“At night or during rain, it becomes difficult to judge where the road ends and the drain begins,” said Deepak, a shopkeeper at Kantatoli bus stand.When contacted, RMC deputy municipal commissioner Gautam Prasad Sahu said road upgradation works are being carried out on a regular basis across the city. “We have constituted a dedicated road management team, which has been directed to identify accident-prone roads of RMC and open drains that pose a danger to the public. Such locations will be taken up on priority and addressed urgently,” he said.