Corruption Allegations Cloud Delayed Chandil Railway Overbridge Project

Jamshedpur/Chandil: The construction of the Pitki Railway Overbridge on National Highway-18 has come under intense scrutiny due to extreme delays, allegations of corruption, and technical irregularities. Despite starting in 2019 with an initial completion deadline of 2022, the project remains unfinished in 2026, causing persistent traffic chaos and safety hazards in the Chandil-Ghorangi region.

Slow Progress on a ₹708 Crore Project

Rakesh Ranjan Mahato, President of the Visthapit Adhikar Manch Foundation, highlighted the severe negligence surrounding the 1.4 km long structure. The overbridge, consisting of 56 pillars and standing 12 meters high, is being built at a cost of ₹708 crore.

Mahato pointed out that in nearly eight years, only seven railway blocks have been installed out of the nine proposed. He questioned the pace of the work, describing it as “snail-like” despite the massive budgetary allocation.

Massive Impact on Commuters and Logistics

The delay is causing significant distress to the local population and interstate transport:

• Traffic Volume: Approximately 5,000 vehicles use this route daily.
• Railway Frequency: Over 100 trains pass through the Pitki railway gate, causing frequent closures.
• Gridlock: When the gate closes, vehicle queues stretch up to 5 km, trapping ambulances, school buses, and office commuters for hours.

Allegations of Corruption and Quality Issues

Concerns have been raised regarding the structural integrity of the project, with reports of visible cracks in the pillars. Mahato has formally demanded a high-level investigation by the Chief Minister, the Union Minister for Road Transport, and the CBI.

“Where has the ₹708 crore gone? Why is the work incomplete after four years of delay?” Mahato asked, warning that if construction does not resume within three months, locals will launch an indefinite blockade of NH-18.

NHAI Response

In response to the mounting pressure, the NHAI Project Director attributed the delay to difficulties in obtaining necessary blocks from the Railways, assuring that the remaining work would be completed soon.