Nitin Gadkari Unveils Rs 2 Lakh Crore Infrastructure Plans for Jharkhand

Garhwa, Jharkhand: In a public meeting held on Thursday, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced that the central government is committed to enhancing the infrastructure in Jharkhand, with plans to implement projects worth Rs 2 lakh crore in the state.

The Union Road Transport and Highways Minister emphasized the potential for unprecedented growth in Jharkhand's highways sector, highlighting the state's rich mineral resources.

"I am dedicated to strengthening Jharkhand's infrastructure," Gadkari declared, assuring the implementation of national highway projects worth Rs 2 lakh crore in the state. "We have already completed projects worth Rs 40,000 crore. Currently, highway projects worth Rs 70,000 crore are being executed, with additional projects worth Rs 75,000 crore in the pipeline," he added.

Gadkari detailed several significant projects, including the Rs 36,000-crore Varanasi-Ranchi-Kolkata greenfield corridor, expected to be completed by March 2028, and the Rs 12,800-crore Ranchi-Varanasi economic corridor, scheduled for completion by January 2028. Additionally, the Delhi-Kolkata six-lane corridor, costing Rs 31,700 crore, is slated for completion by June 2026. The Rs 8,900-crore Ranchi-Patna four-lane economic corridor will be finished by December 2029, and the Rs 16,500-crore Raipur-Dhanbad four-lane economic corridor is expected to be completed by January 2028.

The minister emphasized the need for "development politics" after elections and encouraged the Jharkhand government to resolve issues like land acquisition and forest department clearances. "Better connectivity between Jharkhand and neighboring states, including Bihar, is a priority," he said.

Gadkari suggested addressing water scarcity in Jharkhand by replicating a successful model from Maharashtra, where the NHAI built 1,000 ponds at no cost, using excavated earth for road construction. This initiative also contributed to water conservation. "I urge the Jharkhand government to implement a similar strategy. We will construct these ponds free of charge," he stated, noting that strong infrastructure would boost local employment.

Since 2014, Jharkhand's national highway network has expanded from 2,600 km to 4,470 km. Nineteen aspirational districts in the state are now connected via this network, he said.

During the event in Garhwa, the minister inaugurated a 23-km four-lane highway from Shankha to Khajoori, costing Rs 1,130 crore, and laid the foundation stone for a Rs 1,330-crore four-lane project on a 32-km stretch of NH 39 from the Chhattisgarh-Jharkhand boundary to Gumla. Gadkari also launched 11 National Highway projects worth Rs 6,350 crore, including a Rs 560-crore elevated corridor in Ranchi.

Gadkari acknowledged Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren's absence at the function due to the ill health of his father, Shibu Soren, who is undergoing treatment in Delhi. Soren expressed gratitude to Gadkari for the invitation, stating his regret for not attending due to his father's medical care.

Shibu Soren, 81, has been a prominent leader of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha for 38 years. President Droupadi Murmu and Jharkhand Governor Santosh Gangwar have visited him in the hospital, underscoring his significant role as the party's founding patron.

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