The Union government has sanctioned a substantial ₹4,224 crore for various railway infrastructure projects across the Ranchi parliamentary constituency over the past three years, signaling a significant push for enhanced connectivity and regional development. Ranchi MP and Union Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth, announced these allocations on Monday, highlighting extensive upgrades aimed at modernising the rail network. This investment is poised to not only streamline transport but also to foster local employment and contribute to the broader vision of creating more sustainable and economically vibrant cities.
A core component of this extensive investment involves the renovation and modernisation of approximately two dozen railway stations within the constituency. Key stations such as Ranchi, Hatia, Muri, Silli, Chandil, and Namkum are undergoing significant overhauls. These upgrades are designed to enhance passenger experience, improve accessibility, and ensure that railway facilities meet contemporary standards. Such improvements are vital for promoting public transport usage, which inherently supports the development of zero net carbon and eco-friendly urban environments by reducing reliance on private vehicles.
Furthermore, the Union government is spearheading the construction of 32 crucial underpasses, overbridges, and subways, with a cumulative budget of ₹732 crore. Already, 16 of these critical infrastructure components have been successfully completed, significantly easing traffic congestion at railway crossings and enhancing safety for both commuters and pedestrians. These projects are fundamental to creating equitable urban mobility, ensuring smoother movement of people and goods, and integrating railway lines more effectively into the urban fabric without creating bottlenecks.
The focus extends beyond passenger facilities to bolstering freight capabilities. The railway goods sheds at Namkum, Tatisilwai, and Chandil railway stations are undergoing a substantial upgrade, costing ₹54 crore. These modernised sheds are anticipated to significantly increase the efficiency of goods train movement, which is a cornerstone for supporting industrial growth and improving supply chain logistics. Crucially, this enhancement in freight capacity is expected to generate considerable local employment, providing economic opportunities within the community and contributing to a more robust regional economy.
Another pivotal project cited by Minister Seth is the doubling of the Koderma-Ranchi railway track, completed at a cost of ₹234 crore. This expansion dramatically increases line capacity, allowing for more frequent services and reducing travel times, which in turn boosts economic activity and offers greater convenience for passengers. Additionally, two new railway over-bridges in Chutia and near the Heavy Engineering Corporation have received central approval, further alleviating traffic pressures and enhancing local connectivity.
However, amidst these considerable central government investments, Minister Seth also voiced concerns regarding the state government’s alleged inaction in releasing funds for various development projects recommended by him within the constituency. He noted that projects under departments such as road engineering, rural works, public works, sanitation, and municipal services have faced delays due to lack of state approval, leading to public queries about the progress of initiatives for which he had laid foundation stones. This highlights the inherent complexities of multi-level governance in India, where inter-governmental cooperation is crucial for the timely execution of large-scale infrastructure projects that directly impact citizens’ daily lives and the trajectory of urban and rural development.
Ultimately, these railway infrastructure projects represent a transformative investment in Ranchi’s future. They are not merely about steel and concrete but about fostering a more connected, economically dynamic, and sustainably developed region. The emphasis on modernising stations, improving crossings, and enhancing freight movement aligns perfectly with the goals of equitable growth and environmentally conscious urbanisation. The successful and timely completion of these initiatives, dependent on seamless cooperation between different levels of government, will be paramount in unlocking Ranchi’s full potential as a smart, green, and inclusive city.
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