City residents opt for taxis as police crack down on traffic rule violators

Ranchi: An intensified police crackdown on drunk driving, rash driving, and other traffic rule violations and nuisances in the city ahead of the New Year appears to have pushed many Ranchites towards safer travel options.

During a special enforcement drive on December 30, Ranchi police observed a noticeable rise in the number of people opting for hired taxi services compared to other days.

Traffic personnel and patrol teams were deployed around 30 key junctions and busy stretches across the city as part of the year-end drive to curb accidents and ensure public safety. During the drive, officers manning checkpoints reported fewer instances of self-driven vehicles late in the evening, while app-based cabs and hired taxis were seen ferrying groups celebrating ahead of New Year’s Eve, Ranchi (city) superintendent of police (SP) Paras Rana said.

The SP added that the trend reflected growing awareness among residents about road safety. “We have checked 800- 900 vehicles on December 30 at all the checkpoints. Many people were celebrating and consuming liquor, but they were also conscious about public safety. At the same time, the fear of hefty fines and strict action under traffic laws seems to have acted as a deterrent,” the SP said.

He said that many motorists were found indulging in drunk driving and their vehicles have been seized by the police, adding that the drive would continue through New Year’s Eve and the first day of the New Year.

Ranchi traffic SP Rakesh Singh said that he personally was present at two locations in the city on December 30 to carry out the drive. “During which, around 12 people were indulging in drunk driving and 40 people were found driving two–wheelers without helmets. Meanwhile, another 15 police teams were deployed across the city on December 30 and 31. The drive will continue on January 1 as well,” Singh added.