Mail News Service
Jamshedpur: A delegation from the Singhbhum Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), led by President Vijay Anand Moonka, met Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari and Union Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal at the Parliament House in Delhi. The delegation submitted a memorandum highlighting urgent road infrastructure concerns and the need for improved connectivity in Jharkhand and Odisha.
One of the primary demands was the construction of a four-lane highway along National Highway-320D from Jamshedpur to Rourkela via Chakradharpur, Sonua, Goilkera and Manoharpur. The delegation pointed out that the current route via Tamar, Khunti and Simdega is lengthy, in poor condition and takes nearly 6-7 hours for travel. The proposed road would provide seamless connectivity to major cities like Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Raigarh and Raipur, boosting economic activity and government revenue. Another key demand was the four-lane expansion of National Highway-220 from Tatanagar to Jashipur via Hata and Rairangpur, which would link Jamshedpur to National Highway-49 and facilitate regional development. The Chamber also stressed the need for immediate repairs on National Highway-33, particularly on the Tatanagar-Kharagpur stretch and the Baharagora section, which is in a deteriorated state, posing safety risks and disrupting transportation.
Responding to the delegation, Gadkari assured, “The Central Government is committed to road development. The DPR for NH-320D is underway and the DPR for NH-220 will begin next year. Repairs on NH-33 are progressing and will be completed soon.” He instructed officials to assess the situation and take appropriate action.
The Chamber also raised concerns about the lack of automated vehicle fitness testing centers in Jharkhand, the absence of a scrapping facility and the delay in implementing AIS-140 under the Nirbhaya Fund. Later, the delegation met Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal to discuss various business and legal matters. Accompanying Moonka were General Secretary Manav Kedia, Vice Presidents Rajiv Agarwal and Puneet Kanwatia, Abhishek Agarwal Goldy, Secretary Bharat Makani, Binod Sharma and Anshul Ringasia.
