Ranchi: In a major push to strengthen the state capital’s infrastructure and ease commuting woes, Union minister of state for defence and Ranchi MP Sanjay Seth on Friday laid the foundation stone for a 6.06 km road project involving a capital outlay of Rs 303.53 crore.The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is spearheading the construction under the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) mode on National Highway-33 at Vikas (Nevri Chowk) to facilitate smoother and safer traffic movement, a statement said.Speaking on the occasion, Seth said, “It has been my privilege to kickstart these projects, which will play a crucial role in reducing congestion and ensuring faster, safer transportation for the people of Ranchi and surrounding areas,” he said, adding that the journey of development continues towards a “prosperous Jharkhand”.Given the escalating traffic pressure on NH-33, the Vikas (Nevri Chowk) and Rampur Interchange project is considered extremely significant for the region. The plan includes the construction of a four-lane flyover and a 1.240-km-long tunnel designed to ensure uninterrupted traffic flow. Specific engineering features include loops at the Vikas (Nevri) junction connecting Jamshedpur to Hazaribag and the Kanke Ring Road, and an underground box structure at the Rampur junction linking Jamshedpur to the Ranchi bypass.The project is currently under construction and is slated for completion by Dec 25, 2027. It represents a joint initiative between the Central Govt, the Govt of Jharkhand and the NHAI to enhance logistics connectivity at both state and national levels.Seth further said that nearly Rs 17,000 crore worth of new road projects spanning 450 km are set to be launched in Jharkhand shortly. This includes a vital section of the Varanasi–Kolkata Expressway, expected to redefine regional trade and connectivity, and a Rs 6,000 crore Outer Ring Road for Ranchi to expand the capital’s development footprint.He said, “Development work is currently underway on over 1,500 km of roads in the state at a total cost of approximately Rs 45,000 crore.” These ongoing works include the Gola–Ormanjhi road, which is 90% complete, and three underpasses at Ghoraling, Phuldungri and Baharagora. Construction is also progressing on a bridge over the Chilgu River and Rail Overbridges (ROBs) at Itki and Chandil.Additionally, Seth confirmed that approval has been granted for the Ormanjhi flyover, while road widening in the Charhi and Chutupalu valleys is set to commence shortly. Other upcoming works include the strengthening of the Ranchi–Mahulia road and the Koderma–Meghatari road project, the latter of which aims to provide better connectivity with Bihar. “These projects will provide fresh impetus to connectivity, transportation efficiency and economic growth in Jharkhand,” Seth said.The event was attended by several notable dignitaries, including Rajya Sabha MP from Jharkhand Mahua Maji, Khijri MLA Rajesh Kachhap, Ranchi Mayor Roshni Khalkho and Deputy Mayor Neeraj Kumar, among others.With inputs from Saptarshi Banerjee