People of Hazaribagh can look forward to a smooth ride to Odisha.
Barkagaon-Keredari Road, which connects the state with Bijupada in Odisha, is all set to get a facelift with a survey being underway. According to the initial estimate, National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) will pump in Rs 441 crore for renovation of the 117km stretch from Hurhuru via Barkagaon and Keredari to Bijupada.
NTPC is constructing a 1,980MW North Karanpura Super Thermal Power project in Tandwa of Chatra. Hazaribagh being the nearest township, the project's camp office operates from here.
S. Gupta, deputy general manager of NTPC's North Karanpura Super Thermal Power Plant (NKSTPP), said the road would give better connectivity to the two states.
"Two companies, KMC and ECI, have been awarded the contract for revamping the stretch in the first week of August. Work will start soon after the survey ends," he added.
General manager of NKSTPP Raghvendra Kumar Singh agreed, saying that the NTPC, as of now, had transferred Rs 250 crore to the state highway authority for widening the two-lane road.
"The total project will cost us Rs 441 crore," he added.
According to sources, Hurhuru road in Hazaribagh town connects Ranchi-Patna highway (NH-33) with Barkagaon road. The entry point to Hurhuru from NH-33 is Kargil Chowk.
"Hurhuru road from Kargil Chowk will be the starting point for renovation. The stretch will pass from Barkagaon to Keredari and then Khelari in Ranchi to connect with Bijupada," an NTPC official said.
Another official said that a number of bridges would be constructed on the stretch from Barkagaon to Bijupada.
"Several coal companies, including CCL and NTPC, are working in this region and better connectivity to Bijupada will benefit the employees. The renovation project will also enable the roadside eateries to flourish as customer count will go up," he added.
The worsening condition of Barkagaon-Keredari Road is one of the most talked-about issues in the area.
Funds were released for the renovation project earlier too, but there had been no major improvement in the road's condition. Villagers have from time to time agitated against the dilapidated stretch to draw the attention of the authorities, but in vain.
