Union Minister Gadkari Launches Major Road Projects in Jharkhand.

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 11 National Highway projects in Jharkhand, with a combined value of ₹6,350 crore. These significant infrastructure developments are set to bolster connectivity and economic growth in the state, with nine projects concentrated in Ranchi and two in Garhwa.

In Ranchi, Gadkari officially opened the 4.18-km Ratu Road flyover, which connects Raj Bhavan to OTC Ground, aiming to ease traffic congestion. He also launched several new initiatives, including the massive ₹1,900 crore Palma-Gumla four-lane highway and the ₹825 crore Barhi-Koderma four-lane road. Smaller, yet crucial, projects were also initiated in Godda (₹100 crore), Giridih (₹20 crore), and Barahat-Tulsipur (₹70 crore). An elevated corridor worth ₹560 crore was additionally inaugurated within the city.

New Road Projects in Garhwa and Beyond

Further enhancing the state's road network, Gadkari inaugurated a 23-km four-lane stretch from Shankha to Khajoori in Garhwa, built at a cost of ₹1,130 crore. He also laid the foundation stone for a substantial ₹1,330 crore project to four-lane a 32-km stretch of NH 39, extending from the Chhattisgarh-Jharkhand border to Gumla.

Speaking to PTI, Minister Gadkari acknowledged the absence of Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren. "Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren informed me that he will not be able to attend today's function as his father Shibu Soren is unwell and is undergoing treatment in Delhi," Gadkari stated.

Officials further confirmed that the minister also laid the foundation stone for multiple bridge projects across Jharkhand, underscoring a comprehensive approach to improving the state's transport infrastructure.

In a written message, Chief Minister Soren extended his gratitude to Gadkari for the invitation. "It would have been my privilege to be present on this occasion. However, due to the ill health of Shri Shibu Soren ji, I am currently in Delhi attending to his medical care, and hence, will not be able to join the programme," the message read.