A multi-model hub at Sahibganj is on cards that would comprise three forms of transport — railway, water ways and road — at one place. Minister Road Transport, National Highway and Ports Nitin Jairam Gadkari stated on Wednesday that the hub would boost trade activities and economic development in Jharkhand. Gadkari who was on a day’s visit to Jharkhand, laid foundation stone for two National Highways, one State Highway project and other road projects worth Rs6,500-crore.
The multi-model hub would function as inland port that will facilitate transport of goods to the eastern part of the world through waterways that will be developed by the Ministry. Besides, the Ministry has also conceived similar models at Varansi and Haldia. The Minister also requested Chief Minister Raghubar Das to explore export potential of fly-ash through the multi-model hub that would come up in Santhal region. He also offered help in building additional infrastructure around the proposed hub.
“We have acquired land for the three places and work at these places will commence before March. This hub will act as an engine of growth for Jharkhand,” said Gadkari adding, “If the State Government acquires 1,000-2,000 acres of land then we will assist in developing a smart city that will comprise cold storage, export units, food grain godowns and food processing industry”.
A bridge worth Rs2,000-crore over Ganga at Sahibganj is also in pipeline which is also likely to begin soon after March, 2016. Gadkari expressed that Prime Minister, Narendra Modi to attend bhumipoojan for the project.
Gadkari on Wednesday laid foundation stone for two National Highways and one State Highway project in Jharkhand.
The project outlines widening of the three roads that link neighbouring states of Bihar and West Bengal to the eastern region of Jharkhand. The projects will boost economic development of Santhal region of Jharkhand.The road projects would lay two lanes on three highways-NH-114A, NH-133 and Deoghar to Madhupur State Highway.
The road projects would boost religious tourism in Jharkahnd as it will lay wide roads to link renowned heritage site of Terracotta Temples of Maluti, famous seat of Jainism at Madbuban, Deoghar and Basukinath situated along NH-114A whereas widening of NH-133 would boost trade activities between Jharkhand and other states. Chief Minister Raghubar Das apprised people of various road projects being undertaken by the State Government.
“These projects are being developed on corridor approach. Execution of these projects will add to the load bearing capacity of roads, it will improve transportation facilities, reduce congestion problems in densely populated areas and would reduce cost of transportation and traveling time,” said Das.
Das added that the Road Construction department is preparing DPR for ddeveloping 1147km of National Highway. Notably, DPR for 160km long portion of five state highway projects are currently pending for approval with the central government. Besides, proposal for coversion of state highways measuring 1517km into NH is also pending with Gadkari’s ministry.
Meanwhile, Gadkari assured that a proposal of 3.6-km long elevated corridor on NH-75 would be inserted in the upcoming budget. The corridor is likely to cost around Rs 500-core.