UditVani, Jamshedpur : Jamshedpur MP Bidyut Baran Mahato met Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, in New Delhi today and submitted several proposals related to critical road infrastructure in the Jamshedpur Lok Sabha constituency.
The MP highlighted urgent requirements for new road links, expansion of national highways, and construction of underpasses and bridges to strengthen regional connectivity and enhance public safety.
Mahato emphasized the need for a proposed new road from Pardih Kali Mandir (near NH-33) to Bankura, passing through Patmada, Katin, Bandhwan and Jhilimili.
He said the route would significantly improve connectivity between Durgapur Steel City in West Bengal and Tata Steel in Jamshedpur, thereby facilitating smoother industrial transport and boosting economic activities between the two major steel hubs.
The MP also proposed extending NH-220 from Hata to Bombay Chowk in Odisha via Jadugora, Musabani and Ghurabandha.
Currently, NH-220 is developed only up to Hata. He said the extension was essential due to expanding industrial, mining and commercial activities in the region, adding that the proposed link would seamlessly connect the highway to NH-18 and further strengthen Jharkhand–Odisha transport networks.
Mahato submitted a series of road and bridge construction proposals under the Central Road Infrastructure Fund (CRIF), including:
1. Road construction from NH-6 Kaliadinga to Chitreshwar, Rangunia, Kumhardubi up to NH-6 at Jagannathpur (West Bengal border).
2. Road construction from NH-18 Maheshpur to Jyoti Pahadi, Jambani, Angarpada and Adibasi Tola to Makdi, Balijudi, Paharpur up to the Odisha border.
3. Road construction from Beltand Chowk (Patmada Block) to Kultand, Chudda Bansgarh and Lachhipur–Mukurudih up to the West Bengal border.
4. Construction of a bridge over the Subernarekha River at Bamdol Ghat to connect Jharkhand with Odisha.
5. Road construction from Dhalbhumgarh–Narsinghgarh Railway Crossing to Bhairavpur, Chhodiya, Chabbisa, Dhadasai and Pumpughat–Baliyagoda up to Musabani–Dumaria main road leading to Odisha.
Raising concerns over increasing road accidents at crucial points in the constituency, particularly at Phuldungri in Ghatsila and the PWD Chowk in Baharagora, Mahato urged the Minister to expedite the construction of pending underpasses.
He said the Phuldungri underpass, despite tender being finalized, has not begun and daily accidents have created fear among residents.
Similarly, he stressed the need for an underpass or overbridge at Baharagora’s PWD Chowk (Om Hotel Crossing), where several fatalities have occurred due to high pedestrian movement near the inter-state bus stand.
He further highlighted the situation at Khandamouda on NH-6, where dense habitation and the presence of schools and colleges pose daily risks for students crossing the highway.
He demanded an underpass or foot overbridge to ensure safe pedestrian movement.
Responding positively to the proposals, Union Minister Gadkari instructed concerned officials to prepare detailed project reports for all suggested works.
He specifically directed that the pace of ongoing works at Kaliadinga Chowk and Phuldungri Chowk be expedited and approved a foot overbridge for Khandamouda.
On the proposed Subernarekha bridge at Bamdol under CRIF, Gadkari said the state government must submit a formal proposal along with cost estimates, after which the ministry would take necessary action.
Mahato expressed optimism that the approvals would accelerate long-pending infrastructural developments and significantly benefit residents across the Jamshedpur Lok Sabha region.
