NH-33 black spots to get Rs 84 Cr facelift with underpasses and flyover

In a major step towards improving road safety and easing traffic congestion on National Highway-33, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has approved the construction of two underpasses and one flyover at three major accident-prone stretches of the highway. The ambitious project, estimated to cost around ₹84 crore, aims to eliminate dangerous black spots and significantly reduce road accidents along the busy corridor connecting Jharkhand, West Bengal and Odisha.

The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has granted formal approval for the project, following which NHAI signed an agreement with the executing agency for the commencement of construction work.

According to officials, the work order was issued to M/s SRC Mathura on May 21, 2026, and the agency has been directed to complete the project within 18 months. Senior NHAI officials will closely monitor the construction work on a daily basis to ensure quality standards and timely completion.

The project will focus on three critical black spots located at Ghatshila, Baharagora and Chandil, which have witnessed repeated accidents over the years.

At Phuldungri in Ghatshila, a 0.675-kilometre-long underpass will be constructed to facilitate safe movement of local residents heading towards the hospital and bus stand without crossing high-speed highway traffic.

Similarly, a 1.33-kilometre underpass will come up at Baharagora Junction to ease traffic congestion and provide safer crossing facilities for villagers and commuters.

The third and most significant component of the project is a 1.85-kilometre-long flyover at Chandil Junction, located at the intersection of NH-33 and NH-32 (Ghodalengi-Purulia Road). The flyover is expected to separate local traffic from highway movement, thereby reducing severe traffic jams and preventing accidents at the busy junction.

Police records indicate that the three black spots have become highly vulnerable zones for commuters. In the past three years alone, at least 12 people have lost their lives while 35 others sustained serious injuries in road accidents at these locations. The alarming rise in mishaps prompted demands for urgent structural intervention.

The project received momentum after Jamshedpur MP Bidyut Baran Mahato raised the issue before Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, highlighting the hazardous condition of the highway stretches. Following the minister’s directions, a Detailed Project Report (DPR) was prepared and subsequently approved.

Residents and daily commuters have welcomed the initiative, expressing hope that the long-awaited infrastructure upgrade will make NH-33 safer and more efficient for travelers across the region.