Take a smooth ride in signal-free Bokaro

Bokaro: In a country where traffic congestion and honking horns are the norm, Bokaro Steel City in Jharkhand offers a refreshingly calm and unique experience for motorists. Located nearly 120 kilometres from the state capital Ranchi, Bokaro stands apart for its near-complete absence of conventional traffic management infrastructure—no traffic lights, no zebra crossings, and rarely a traffic cop in sight, except at one or two points.

This industrial township, known for its wide and well-maintained roads, has fostered a self-regulated driving culture that both residents and visitors appreciate. The city has also reported minimal deaths due to accident cases throughout the years.

"Unlike the chaos of metropolitan cities, Bokaro's roads are peaceful and spacious, offering a rare driving comfort," said Manoj Paswan, a crusher owner who lived in the city for over four decades.

Interestingly, Bokaro did not always function this way. During the 1980s, the township featured standard traffic signals and pedestrian crossings. However, by the 1990s, these systems gradually disappeared, as they proved unnecessary in a city where traffic congestion was almost non-existent. Even though traffic booths were erected at intersections about eight years ago, most now stand abandoned or have vanished completely.

S P Singh, an architect and a retired official from the City Planning Department of Bokaro Steel Plant, recalls the shift. "There were traffic lights and zebra crossings in the 90s, but over time, they became redundant. Today also, the city functions smoothly without them," he explains.

This pattern isn't limited to the township. The entire Bokaro district—including Chas and Bermo Sub-Divisions—lacks functioning traffic signals, despite a growing population of around 20 lakh. Though the traffic department recently installed a few signals in Chas and other points, they are largely ignored, as residents are simply unaccustomed to them.

Another peculiarity is that the term ‘no parking zone' holds little relevance in Bokaro Township. The city lacks designated parking areas, and the use of towing cranes by traffic authorities is practically unheard of. This lenient system, surprisingly, does not translate to chaos. Few designated parking lots have been encroached upon, and street vendors run their shops.

Residents of Bokaro Steel Township, which has about five lakh people, take pride in their town's traffic culture. "Bokaro is a heaven for people who enjoy driving," says Ramkumar, retired Air Force personnel living in the City Centre of the town. He points to the seamless roadways and unmanned traffic booths as features that add to the charm.