A 2010 batch IPS, Y.S. Ramesh assumed charge as new traffic superintendent of Ranchi, promising to rid the state capital of maddening chaos and day-to-day snarls.

The post fell vacant after transfer of his predecessor Rajiv Ranjan to Simdega before the state Assembly polls.

Ramesh, who served as SP in Pakur, Palamau and CID, was quick to realise the peculiar challenges of his new assignment on Day One. For, soon after taking charge Friday morning, he hit the road, specifically Main Road, with his colleagues.

'I visited the area to take stock of existing arrangements, understand various issues like encroachments and parking. It will take two or three days for me to get a hang of things before I start working full flow,' the SP told The Telegraph.

First impression?

'Not that I haven't visited Ranchi before but comparatively things have improved a bit now. It is because of the tireless efforts of officials. Much needs to be done. I will chalk out plans on how to go about it in a day or two,' said Ramesh, who also visited the cricket stadium in Dhurwa to take stock of traffic preparedness for Saturday's twin Celebrity Cricket League-5 matches.

Traffic DSP A. K. Mishra said the police team was motivated. 'Having a full-time traffic boss will now give clarity and impetus to the ongoing drive against encroachers and rogue autos in our endeavour to ensure smooth vehicular movement in Ranchi,' he said.

Mishra said it was good of 'Ramesh Sir' to hit to streets immediately after taking over to get a grasp of the challenges. 'We briefed him about the problems and what all was being done from our end,' he said, adding that at present the police was trying to create awareness among people on the new one-way traffic system that would be enforced in a couple of days between 5pm and 8pm.

Will the new SP be able to live up to his promise? Tell ttkhand@abpmail.com