Ratu Road Flyover Inauguration in Ranchi Pushed to July 3.

The much-anticipated inauguration of Ranchi's Ratu Road flyover has been postponed to July 3, deviating from its original June 19 schedule. The delay is attributed to the unavailability of Union Road Transport & Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, as announced by Ranchi MP and Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth on Tuesday.

Built by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) at a cost of ₹291 crore, the 4.18-kilometer corridor is a significant infrastructure project for the city. Anand Kumar, the flyover's site manager, detailed its features, stating, "It links NH-23 on the Pandra side to NH-75, with two lanes on one end and four lanes on the other. It includes bulletproof and soundproof barriers throughout, plus extensive plantation along the route." Once operational, the flyover is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion on Ratu Road.

However, the impending launch has ignited a political debate over the flyover's naming. The JMM-led INDIA bloc and the NDA-led opposition have put forth various proposals, with social and cultural organizations also joining the fray.

The JMM and Congress are advocating for the flyover to be named after former Chief Minister Shibu Soren. JMM General Secretary Vinod Pandey stated, "Naming the flyover after Shibu Soren will be a fitting tribute to his struggle for a separate Jharkhand. It is the will of the entire state."

Conversely, the BJP is pushing for the flyover to be renamed after a freedom fighter or legendary national figure. BJP Spokesperson Pratul Shahdeo commented, "The flyover should be named after an icon without any tainted past."

Adding to the suggestions, a section of the city's Bengali community has demanded the flyover be named after Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee. Their representative, Abhijeet Dutta, emphasized, "To acknowledge his vision for a unified India, this landmark should carry his name."

Further proposals include the Kesharwani Vaishya Samaj's request to name it after Bishweshwar Prasad Kesari, a prominent leader of the Jharkhand movement, educationist, and historian. Meanwhile, Rashtriya Yuva Shakti, a social organization, urged the government to name it after martyr Abhishek Kumar Sahu, who died in service to the nation in Leh-Ladakh on October 28, 2020.

The delay in the inauguration now provides more time for these discussions to unfold before the flyover officially opens to the public.