Ramgarh: The State Highway Authority of Jharkhand (SHAJ) has initiated the construction of a new bridge over Damodar River at Bhurkunda in Ramgarh district, which, once ready, will improve connectivity with neighbouring Hazaribag. The project, estimated at Rs 17.47 crore, will be funded by Central Coalfields Limited (CCL), and the work is expected to begin soon, officials said on Monday.The move comes amid growing concerns over the condition of the existing bridge, which has become unsafe for heavy vehicular traffic. An expert team from a Hyderabad-based agency had earlier found the bridge structurally weak and recommended urgent repairs. Despite the risks, hundreds of coal-laden trucks from CCL’s Barka-Sayal and Argada areas continue to use the bridge daily.The demand for a new bridge had gained momentum in recent months, with many public representatives and local residents staging a dharna near the site seeking replacement of the ageing structure.Satyajeet Kumar, general manager of CCL’s Argada Area, said the bridge connecting Bhurkunda in Ramgarh and Giddi in Hazaribag is owned by the state govt but is extensively used by CCL for coal transportation.“Hence, CCL has provided Rs 17.93 crore for the construction of a new bridge and repairs to the existing one. SHAJ has already awarded the contract, and work is expected to commence shortly,” he said.Officials said the existing bridge has become narrow and dilapidated, frequently causing traffic congestion and raising safety concerns for both commuters and coal transport vehicles.Once completed, the new bridge is expected to significantly improve connectivity between Ramgarh and Hazaribag districts, benefiting thousands of residents as well as industrial traffic linked to CCL’s Argada and Barka-Sayal areas. The project is also expected to ease transportation bottlenecks and enhance road safety in the coal belt region.
