MANISH GUPTA
Ranchi, Aug 19: Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Friday laid the foundation for three key road projects worth Rs 666.13 crore when the country is celebrating Janmashtami for providing relief from regular traffic jams that have been a major pain for the citizens of the state capital for several years.
Soren performed ‘bhoomipujan’ (earth worship) at Sarna Sthal Maidan in Siramtoli for the construction of a four-lane flyover and elevated road including a rail over bridge (ROB) to connect Siramtoli Chowk (near railway station) to Mecon Chowk via Rajendra Chowk.
“We have taken it as a challenge to complete the construction in 20 months and I am confident that we will do it even before that deadline. Ranchi has very few flyovers over the railway line that divides the city. It will bring a major relief on Main Road and lessen the burden on flyover at Sujata Chowk,” Soren said after laying the foundation.
He said that the 2.34 km elevated road includes 132 meters over the railway line, first of its kind in the state, and will be built at a cost of Rs 340 crore. With many houses on the way and the flyover at Sujata Chowk, finding alignment was a complex task.
Soren also laid the foundation for four-laning of the road from Vikas Vidyalaya in Neuri to Namkum via Booty More, Kokar and Kantatoli. This is a 15.214 km stretch road that helps connect Ranchi with Ramgarh and Tata. It has a provision of Rs 129 crore.
Another key road project that began today is the four-laning of the 5.3 km road connecting Argora Chowk and Kathal More. It has been given a budget of Rs 197 crore. Soren said all these road projects will help ease the traffic and make movements quicker in Ranchi.
“We are widening and strengthening the roads. As we try to build the infrastructure for the benefit of the people, I urge the citizens to be more systematic while on the road and go around the roundabout and not jump over dividers.
“We need to change our behaviour. Even animals do not loiter on the road as people in the city do. While we have tried to keep the required land acquisition to the minimum, I request people to support land acquisition as fair compensation is being given and it will benefit them and others,” he said, adding that the soil testing work is going on.
Jharkhand Minister Satyanand Bhokta said that the increase in population and vehicles in Ranchi has created the issue of traffic jams. With the construction of these roads, the people will be relieved and it will result in saving fuel and time, he added.
BJP leaders Ranchi Lok Sabha MP Sanjay Seth and Ranchi MLA CP Singh also wished the road projects all success and timely completion. JMM Rajya Sabha MP Mahua Maji said that it will lead to a better life in Ranchi. Chief Secretary Sukhdev Singh and JMM Lok Sabha MP Vijay Hansda were also present at the occasion.
