Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has officially responded to a request from Dhanbad Member of Parliament Dhullu Mahto, confirming that the Ministry of Railways will conduct a feasibility study for the construction of road overbridges (ROBs) and road underbridges (RUBs) at nine railway crossings across the industrial city of Dhanbad. This move is expected to address chronic traffic congestion and significantly enhance public safety in the region.
- Goal: To replace busy level crossings with modern overbridges or underbridges to reduce accidents and traffic delays.
- Initiative: The project was proposed under the central government’s Setu Bharatam Yojana.
- Next Steps: Further planning and construction phases will commence pending the outcome of the detailed technical feasibility report.
Addressing Infrastructure Challenges in Dhanbad
MP Dhullu Mahto had previously highlighted the daily struggles faced by commuters in Dhanbad, where existing level crossings frequently cause severe traffic bottlenecks. These jams not only disrupt the daily commute for thousands of residents but also pose a serious risk of accidents and delay emergency services, such as ambulances and fire tenders. Given the city’s status as a major industrial hub, the Minister acknowledged that these infrastructure upgrades are vital for maintaining smooth connectivity and economic flow.
Locations Targeted for Improvement
The Ministry has identified nine specific level crossings for the upcoming feasibility study to determine the most suitable engineering solutions. These locations include:
Fatwa number 31/C/E (Kendua Road), Phulwaritand railway crossing, Fatwa number 27/SPL/T (Pradhankhanta Junction/Govindpur), Fatwa number 14/A/T (Outer Dhanbad–Barakar Main Line), Fatwa number 30/C/E (Bhuli), Lilorigate (Katras), Sonardih Gate, Fatwa number 23/C/T (Katras–Sijua), and Fatwa number 29/C/T (Tetulmari).
Minister Vaishnaw has assured that the railway administration is committed to evaluating these sites thoroughly. Once the feasibility reports are finalized, the Ministry will move forward with subsequent project phases to ensure these critical crossings are upgraded, ultimately providing a safer and more efficient transport experience for the people of Dhanbad.