Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, on Thursday announced that the Central Government will invest ₹2 lakh crore to transform Jharkhand’s road infrastructure. Addressing a public rally in Garhwa and later inaugurating projects in Ranchi, Gadkari said the state’s rich natural resources demand matching world-class connectivity to unlock growth and employment opportunities.
“I promise the people of Jharkhand that national highway projects worth ₹2 lakh crore will be implemented. These projects will change the future of the state,” Gadkari said.
Mega Projects in Pipeline
According to the minister, projects worth ₹40,000 crore have already been completed, while ongoing works worth ₹70,000 crore are under construction. Another ₹75,000 crore worth of new projects will begin soon. Key upcoming corridors include:
- Varanasi–Ranchi–Kolkata Greenfield Corridor (₹36,000 crore) – Completion by March 2028
- Ranchi–Varanasi Economic Corridor (₹12,800 crore) – January 2028 target
- Delhi–Kolkata Six-lane Corridor (₹31,700 crore) – June 2026 completion
- Ranchi–Patna Economic Corridor (₹8,900 crore) – December 2029 deadline
- Raipur–Dhanbad Corridor (₹16,500 crore) – January 2028 schedule
These projects, Gadkari said, will significantly reduce travel time, cut logistics costs, and improve economic activity across the state.
Focus on Tourism and Connectivity
Highlighting religious and cultural connectivity, Gadkari said roads linking important destinations such as Baba Baidyanath Dham in Deoghar would receive special attention. He also announced approval for a new Ranchi Ring Road project worth ₹6,000 crore, with the Detailed Project Report (DPR) under preparation.
“In the next two years, India’s national highways will match the quality of highways in the US,” Gadkari assured.
Inaugurations in Ranchi
Despite bad weather diverting his helicopter to Gaya in Bihar, the Union Minister reached Ranchi and inaugurated projects worth ₹3,890 crore. These included:
- Palma–Gumla Four-lane Highway (₹1,900 crore)
- Barhi–Koderma Four-lane Project (₹825 crore)
- Elevated Corridor at Ratu Road, Ranchi (₹560 crore)
- Road projects in Godda, Giridih, and Barahat–Tulsipur
In total, projects worth ₹6,350 crore were launched or inaugurated during his visit.
The ambitious announcements mark one of the largest infrastructure pushes for Jharkhand in recent years, with the Centre positioning roads as a key driver of the state’s economic future.
