Rs 128.2 Cr road project approved on MLA Stephen Marandi’s initiative
Kartik Kumar
Pakur
The Jharkhand Cabinet has approved the long-pending Talwa–Kharu Tola road project via Salpani in Pakur district, paving the way for improved connectivity in the Maheshpur Assembly constituency.
The project, estimated at ₹128.20 crore, received administrative approval at Thursday’s Cabinet meeting. It includes construction of an 11.77-km Talwa–Kharu Tola road via Salpani and a 6.14-km Chandna–Shridharpara link road, covering a total length of 17.91 km.
Officials said the roads will be transferred from the Rural Works Department to the Road Construction Department for fresh execution. The project also includes bridge construction, plantation, land acquisition and utility shifting.
Maheshpur MLA Stephen Marandi said the approval followed his meeting with Chief Minister Hemant Soren on May 30, when he requested priority for the long-awaited project. Thanking the Chief Minister, Marandi said the tendering process would begin soon, followed by construction.
The project has been a longstanding demand of local residents. On May 16 and June 2, villagers staged road blockades at Talwa Chowk on the Maheshpur–Pakuria route, demanding immediate reconstruction of the badly damaged road. The protests ended after officials assured them that temporary repairs would be undertaken and that a proposal for permanent reconstruction had already been submitted to the government.
Once completed, the road is expected to improve connectivity for five to seven villages, ensure smoother transportation, enhance access to essential services and boost local economic activity by improving links between rural areas and nearby markets.
