Ranchi Traffic Chaos: Chutia Railway Crossing Bottleneck Impacts Commuters and Businesses

Ranchi: Daily traffic chaos near the Chutia railway crossing has become a struggle for residents of Ranchi’s ward 14 and 15, which cover Chutia, Kanke and the Chutia Main Road. Long queues of vehicles, especially during peak hours, often bring the traffic movement to a standstill, with the commuters stuck for hours and local businesses bearing the brunt of the disruption.Residents say the situation worsened since the construction of the Kantatoli–Siramtoli connecting flyover, which led to frequent route diversions. With alternative routes pushed through Chutia, already narrow roads now carry traffic far beyond their capacity.“Ever since the flyover work picked up, Chutia has turned into a permanent bottleneck. There is no traffic planning, only diversions,” said Rakesh Das, a daily commuter who travels to Kantatoli for work.

According to the residents, the railway crossing remains the biggest flashpoint. The closure of the gates during the train movement causes traffic to pile up on both sides, often spilling onto the Chutia Main Road and nearby lanes.

Autorickshaws, two-wheelers and heavy vehicles compete for limited space, increasing the risk of accidents.Adding to commuters’ woes are heavy and constant traffic movement, damaging the road surface at several points, leading to the frequent emergence of potholes that slow down vehicles and become safety concerns.

Station Road, another critical stretch in the area, is no exception. Encroachments by roadside vendors, unregulated autorickshaw stands and illegal parking narrowed the carriageway, leaving little room for smooth traffic flow. “The Station Road is chaotic throughout the day. Autorickshaws are parked randomly, temporary shops spill onto the road, and there is no end to enforcement,” said Sunita Devi, a passerby.Civic neglect also compounded the crisis. The poor waste management in the wards after the residents and vendors dumped rubbish directly into open drains along Station Road is another issue. These clogged drains not only worsen the unhygienic condition but also become breeding grounds for mosquitoes and insects. During the monsoon, overflowing drains flood parts of the road, further slowing the traffic.Locals are demanding urgent intervention, including better traffic management near the railway crossing, strict action against encroachments, regulation of autorickshaw stands and immediate road repairs.“This area connects the railway station to several parts of the city. If Chutia remains choked, the impact is felt all across Ranchi,” said Biplab Mukerjee, a senior resident.