Ranchi Wards 16 & 17: Civic Neglect, Traffic Chaos Plague Residents

Ranchi: Residents of Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) wards 16 and 17 continue to struggle with civic neglect, unsafe infrastructure and mounting traffic pressure, particularly in densely populated inner lanes and busy commercial areas.

In Ward 16, former councillor Nazima Raza flagged the poor condition of open drains across residential localities, calling them a serious safety hazard. “Almost all drains in the ward have been left open. This poses a major risk, especially to children,” Raza said, adding that repeated complaints have brought little improvement on the ground.


Localities such as Nayatoli, Purulia Road, Church Road, Karbala Tank Road, Pathal Kudwa and Mission Chowk form the internal road network across both wards and are among the most densely populated pockets.

Residents said clogged drains, stagnant wastewater and foul odour have become routine, raising concerns over hygiene and public health. “During the monsoon, drain water overflows onto the lanes, making it impossible to walk without stepping into filth,” said Arman, a resident of Pathal Kudwa.

Karbala Tank Road, a key stretch in this belt, has emerged as a major pressure point. The road serves as a busy commercial hub and a crucial link between Lalpur and the main road towards Doranda and Hinoo, resulting in round-the-clock congestion.

The situation worsens near Karbala Chowk, where a large automobile servicing market operates. Continuous vehicular movement, roadside parking and narrow lanes frequently lead to traffic snarls. Residents complain of incessant honking and choked lanes, which also hamper the movement of emergency vehicles.

Residents cited poor drain maintenance, encroachments and unregulated traffic as persistent challenges. Civic experts warned that without coordinated planning for drainage, traffic management and market regulation, the two wards will remain caught in a cycle of congestion and decay.

With urban density continuing to rise, residents of wards 16 and 17 said immediate civic intervention is essential to make the area safer, cleaner and more liveable.