Sat Mar 22 07:36:29 UTC 2025: **Ranchi Bandh Disrupts City Over Flyover Construction Near Tribal Sacred Site**
RANCHI, INDIA (March 22, 2025) – A massive 18-hour bandh (shutdown) brought parts of Ranchi, Jharkhand, to a standstill on Saturday, March 22nd, as tribal activists protested the construction of a flyover near the Sarna Sthal, a sacred tribal religious site. The protestors, representing various tribal organizations, blocked roads, burned tires, and disrupted traffic, particularly on the outskirts of the city, including near Titla Chowk and Kanke Chowk. The Ranchi-Lohardaga road was also affected.
The protestors’ main grievance centers on a ramp being built as part of the ₹340-crore flyover project, which they claim obstructs access to the Sarna Sthal and threatens its sanctity due to increased traffic. They highlighted concerns about access during Sarhul, a major tribal festival, when thousands gather at the site. A torchlight procession on Friday evening sought public support for the bandh.
While the 2.34-km elevated road, including a 132-meter section over a railway line, aims to improve traffic flow between Siram Toli and Mecon, the administration acknowledged the protestors’ concerns. The Ranchi administration appealed for peaceful protests and issued strict instructions against disrupting traffic, affecting students, or inconveniencing the general public. Despite these pleas, the bandh significantly reduced vehicular movement throughout the morning. Heavy security measures were deployed by the Ranchi police in anticipation of the protests. The project was launched in August 2022.
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