Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Mr. Nitin Gadkari inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for nine national highway projects worth Rs. 3,800 crore in Jharkhand on Thursday. The key event was held at the OTC Ground on Ratu Road, Ranchi, where the Ratu Road Elevated Corridor was among the notable projects launched.
Beautification and Ring Road Plans for Ranchi
In response to the demand raised by Ranchi MP Mr. Sanjay Seth, Mr. Gadkari announced plans for the beautification of Ranchi’s newly constructed flyover, asking the MP to submit a Detailed Project Report (DPR). He also approved the outer ring road project for Ranchi, directing the preparation of a DPR for the same.
Electric Buses on Flash Charging in Ranchi
Mr. Gadkari further announced that Ranchi will become the second city after Nagpur to have electric buses running on flash charging technology. These public transport buses will feature 135 executive-class seats, provide onboard food and beverages, and have fares 30 percent lower than conventional services. The initiative is aimed at enhancing urban mobility and will function similar to tram services.
India’s Roads to Match U.S. Standards by 2026
Highlighting the transformational journey under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Mr. Gadkari stated that India’s road network will equal that of the United States within two years. He pointed out that logistics costs have reduced from 16% to 10% due to improved road infrastructure and are expected to be brought down to 9% by December 2025.
Rs. 3 Lakh Crore Investment in Jharkhand Roads
Since 2014, road development projects worth Rs. 2 lakh crore have been executed in Jharkhand, and another Rs. 1 lakh crore will be invested soon. The Minister urged Chief Minister Mr. Hemant Soren and the state’s Chief Secretary to facilitate land acquisition and forest clearances for smooth project implementation.
Support for Agricultural Water Solutions
Addressing concerns about water scarcity for agriculture, Mr. Gadkari assured to support desilting of ponds and dams, with the extracted soil to be used in road construction, thereby offering a dual-benefit strategy.
Political Leaders Laud Centre’s Development Initiatives
Former Chief Minister Mr. Raghuvar Das welcomed Mr. Gadkari and described his visit as “monsoon of development.” He praised the achievements under the “double engine government.” Leader of Opposition Mr. Babulal Marandi also commended the pace of road development.
Jharkhand Government Minister Mr. Deepak Birua assured full cooperation from the state for completing these projects. Meanwhile, Union Minister of State for Defence and MP Mr. Sanjay Seth repeated key demands such as electric buses, decorative flyovers, and new road projects, all of which received the Union Minister’s assurance.
Leaders in Attendance
Several prominent political figures were present, including Union Women and Child Development Minister Ms. Annapurna Devi, MPs Mr. Chandrakant Choudhary, Ms. Mahua Manji, Mr. Dhulu Mahato, MLAs Ms. Ragini Singh, Mr. Naveen Jaiswal, and Mr. C.P. Singh, among others.
