Ranchi: From metro rail corridors to new flyovers and expanded roads, Ranchi could be set for a big transport transformation, as the state’s urban development department has pitched a a new comprehensive mobility plan to the Centre for approval and funding.The proposal includes widening and beautification of 160 km of key roads, development of three metro corridors spanning 51 km, construction of nine flyovers, and upgrades to pedestrian and public transport infrastructure.
Department secretary Sunil Kumar said the plan aimed to make commuting in Ranchi smoother and more efficient. “The plan was submitted to the Centre for approval and funding around 10 days back,” he said.Under the proposal, 160 km of roads across the city were slated for widening, including MG Road, Harmu Road, Bariatu Road, Argora to Kathal More, HB Road and Kanke Road. The stretches were selected based on high vehicular and non-vehicular traffic volumes.The plan also included additional provision for on-street parking, which remained a major issue faced by residents at present. For pedestrians and non-motorised transport, the proposal called for dedicated cycle tracks, pavements, landscaping and setting up on-road furniture. It also sought junction improvement and beautification at Albert Ekka Chowk, Upper Bazaar, Lalpur Chowk, Birsa Chowk, Hinoo Chowk, Doranda Chowk, Hatia Chowk and Kantatoli Chowk.The CMP proposed construction of nine flyovers, or road overbridges, at major points including Birsa Chowk, Hinoo Chowk, Hatia Chowk, Doranda Chowk, Argora Chowk, Kushwaha Chowk, Sujata Chowk, Agrasen Chowk and Hinoo-Chaibasa Road Chowk. A final decision on which flyovers would be constructed was to be taken by the central Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.For pedestrians’ safety, the proposal included installation of foot overbridges, similar to the one existing at GEL Church Complex, at points such as Birsa Chowk to Airport, Hinoo to Airport, Hatia Railway Station, Doranda, Argora, Kantatoli, Namkum and Tatisivai.The plan also called for increasing the number of city buses.Among the most ambitious components was starting metro rail in the city. Sunil Kumar said, “We proposed three metro routes in Ranchi covering around 51 km, for which we received a go-ahead for conducting a feasibility test from the Centre.”The proposed metro corridors included a 16 km route from Kutchery Chowk to Nayasarai, a 14 km route from Pahartoli to Namkum, and a 21 km route from Kanke to Tupudana.Kumar said, “While the plan for Ranchi is already submitted to the Centre, we also worked in parallel on the comprehensive mobility plan for Jamshedpur and Dhanbad, which is also almost on the verge of completion and will be sent to the Centre soon.”
