Rs 221-Cr upgrade of SH-18 in Santhal Pargana soon

Kumar Prabhat

Dumka

In a major push to improve connectivity and ease chronic traffic congestion in the Santhal Pargana region, the Jharkhand Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, has approved ₹221.40 crore for the widening, strengthening and reconstruction of a 51.93-km stretch of State Highway-18 (SH-18) between km 139 and km 190.930.

The decision comes amid mounting concerns over the deteriorating condition of the Dumka-Pakur corridor, which is frequently clogged by heavy coal-laden trucks. On Wednesday, a nearly five-kilometre-long traffic jam brought movement to a standstill from Ranga Tola in Pakur’s Amrapada through the Kuschira bypass in Dumka’s Gopikandar to Durgapur, leaving buses, private vehicles and freight carriers stranded for hours.

Commuters have long complained of large potholes, damaged road surfaces and severe monsoon-related disruptions along the Amrapada stretch, while residents have repeatedly demanded dedicated routes for mineral transport to reduce congestion.

Under the approved project, the existing seven-metre-wide road will be upgraded to a two-lane highway with paved shoulders, expanding the carriageway to 10 metres and the total developed width to up to 15 metres at select locations. The project also includes utility shifting and structural improvements.

PWD Dumka Sub-Divisional Officer Deepak Tudu said the administrative approval has paved the way for reconstruction from the railway siding to the Govindpur-Sahibganj road via Amrapada, adding that tenders will be floated shortly.

Officials expect the upgraded highway to improve road safety, reduce travel time, facilitate coal transportation and provide a significant boost to trade and economic activity across the Santhal Pargana region.