Basant Munda
Ranchi: In Ranchi, traffic police personnel who work 12-hour shifts daily to maintain law and order on the roads are themselves battling a lack of basic amenities. The situation is especially tough for female officers, who face long duty hours without access to toilets, drinking water, or proper seating arrangements. In many cases, they are forced to rely on nearby hotels, petrol pumps, or shops for basic needs.
Ground Situation at Major City Junctions
Mission Chowk
Staffed by 5 home guards, 2 sub-inspectors, and 3 female constables. Male officers use a makeshift plastic washroom, while female officers depend on toilets at St. Maria Cathedral Church nearby.
Plaza Chowk
5 women traffic constables rely on the petrol pump toilet. Officers posted at nearby Kali Mandir Chowk and Main Road use the Daily Market police station restroom, which is 300 meters away, making frequent visits impractical.
Urdu Library Chowk
Two women and two men officers are posted for 12-hour shifts. No toilet or seating. Officers depend on shopkeepers’ hospitality for rest and water.
Ratan Tati PP Chowk
No restroom facility. Female officers depend on hotels, and male officers walk up to half a kilometre for relief.
Sujata Chowk
Around 10 personnel posted, including JAP and home guards. Two toilets built under the Swachh Bharat Mission, but the women’s toilet is used by men, forcing female officers to rely on LIC office restrooms. Poor cleanliness and no regular water supply; some officers bring water from home.
SBI Chowk (Kutchery)
6 female officers work from 8 AM to 8 PM. Drinking water comes via jar delivery, but for seating, they rely on roadside vendors. Toilets at SBI Bank are used with the support of bank staff.
ATI Mod (near Raj Bhavan)
Staffed by 7 officers, both male and female. No dedicated toilet or drinking water. Women officers walk 200 meters to use restrooms at IAS officer Pooja Singhal’s government residence. Male officers are forced to relieve themselves in open spaces behind trees. A makeshift shelter with bamboo and tarpaulin has been erected for rest.
Dignity Denied, Action Needed
These traffic personnel—the very backbone of urban mobility and order in Ranchi—are performing their duties under highly undignified and neglectful conditions. The lack of essential facilities is not just an administrative oversight but a direct hit on the dignity and morale of the police force, especially women.
It is imperative that the government and police department immediately address these issues by ensuring:
Clean and accessible restrooms Safe drinking water Proper seating/rest zones at traffic duty points
