Ranchi traffic restrictions will remain in force from Friday to Sunday as the district administration prepares for increased shopping activity and vehicle movement during Dhanteras and Diwali. About 1,000 traffic personnel, including 200 additional staff, will be deployed across the city, while static magistrates and bike patrol teams will monitor crowded areas.
SP (Traffic) Rakesh Singh said the deployment would cover the three-day festive period, with around 50 static magistrates positioned at different locations. Bike patrol teams will conduct regular rounds in sensitive and congested areas to manage movement and respond to incidents.
The Upper Bazaar will face the most significant restriction. Entry of all four-wheelers will be prohibited in the area from 12.30 pm to midnight. The administration has also restricted the movement of small and large goods vehicles between Radium Chowk and Sujata Chowk.
All vehicular traffic will be barred on the stretch between Vikrant Chowk and Kali Mandir Chowk. In addition, the entry of heavy goods vehicles into the city will remain prohibited from 8 am to midnight during the traffic-regulation period.
Traffic personnel in crowded areas such as Upper Bazaar and Main Road will be increased from teams of around 20 to 25 members to double their current strength. Officials on duty have been instructed to respond quickly to any untoward incident and keep senior officers informed, Singh said.
The restrictions are being implemented as residents visit markets for festive purchases and congestion increases on major commercial roads. A Ranchi resident, Rishabh Anand, said two-wheelers were also getting stuck in traffic because of four-wheelers parked on roads. He also pointed to roadside firecracker stalls near locations such as Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium as an additional source of congestion.
The traffic plan also includes measures for emergency response. SP (City) Paras Rana said the police department was coordinating with the fire department to ensure early action in the event of a mishap. Newly inducted mini fire tenders will be deployed during the festivities, according to Rana.
The arrangements place additional personnel and emergency services alongside access restrictions in the city’s busiest shopping areas. The administration’s stated objective is to keep vehicle movement under control while managing the expected concentration of shoppers, goods vehicles and roadside commercial activity through Sunday.
