Tatanagar station area is in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.

Two months ago, a large amount of trash dumped hardly 200 metres away from the station was set ablaze, the foul smoke causing discomfort to thousands of people. Now, the 400-metre overbridge is grabbing attention, thanks to defunct streetlights.

The overbridge, which connects the station with the north-eastern parts of the city, had already been offering commuters a bone-rattling ride for the last few months since monsoon. Miseries have now multiplied as none of the streetlights has been functioning for the last seven days. More than 50,000 people and 10,000 vehicles use the overbridge daily.

Randhir Singh, a local businessman, had a close shave on Friday night while returning home after closing his shop at Jugsalai. “I was on my way home in Burmamines after closing the shop on Friday night. In the absence of streetlights on the overbridge, I had to apply brakes frequently to avoid potholes. Suddenly, an autorickshaw hit my bike from the rear and I almost lost balance,” said the businessman who sustained injuries on his right leg.

Several passengers face inconvenience in the absence of lights on the overbridge. “It is very difficult to walk through the overbridge after sunset. It becomes pitch dark and headlights of vehicles coming from opposite direction blur our vision. The railways should take immediate steps to restore the lights. They should also repair the potholes,” said 55-year-old Deven Bose, also a resident of Burmamines.

Student Biresh Kumar, who is also a regular commuter on this route, said the dark overbridge was causing a lot of inconvenience.

“None of the streetlights has been functioning for about a week. Those who commute through the overbridge regularly are aware of its pathetic condition and drive cautiously. But, other vehicles end up damaging axles and injuring passengers,” said Kumar, a resident of Bagbera close to Tatanagar station.

Senior Tatanagar official S.K. Pati promised to take remedial measures. “The overbridge is maintained by the engineering and electrical wing of Chakradharpur railway division. We have informed them about the problem. It would be sorted out soon,” he said.