The Impressive TimesRanchi, October 4: Chief Minister Hemant Soren of Jharkhand inaugurated the long-awaited Kantatoli flyover in Ranchi today, marking the end of an eight-year wait for this crucial infrastructure project. The new flyover is expected to significantly reduce traffic congestion in the state capital.
After the inauguration, CM Soren took a symbolic drive across the flyover, joined by his wife and local MLA Kalpana Murmu Soren. The event also saw the launch of 31 other road infrastructure projects totaling around ₹3,264 crore, including four new flyovers—two in Ranchi and one each in Dhanbad and Jamshedpur.
“This 2.4-kilometer Kantatoli flyover was completed in just about two years. It will soon connect to the Siramtoli flyover, creating a continuous stretch of approximately five kilometers,” CM Soren stated.
Constructed at an estimated cost of ₹224.94 crore, the flyover is built using 486 precast segmental boxes supported by 42 spans and is equipped with around 125 electric poles for improved safety and visibility.
The flyover’s foundation was originally laid in 2017, but construction faced numerous delays under the previous BJP-led government. Since taking office in 2019, CM Soren has prioritized the project, directing urban development officials to revise designs to expedite construction and minimize traffic disruption.
In addition to the Kantatoli flyover, the Chief Minister laid the foundation for a 1.25-kilometer Siramtoli-Kantatoli flyover, estimated to cost ₹213.35 crore, as well as a 3-kilometer Harmu-Sahjanand flyover, projected at ₹430.75 crore.
During his address, Soren highlighted the importance of conducting environmental assessments prior to launching road and railway projects, citing the adverse effects on the environment caused by development. “Significant environmental harm has occurred due to the destruction of large trees for infrastructure projects, yet compensation measures have been insufficient,” he noted.
In a pointed remark towards the previous government, Soren raised concerns about the Pahadi Temple in Ranchi, which he believes is threatened by the proposed installation of a 293-foot flagpole. He called for scientific assessments to ensure the safety of historical sites before advancing such initiatives.
Additionally, the Chief Minister directed officials to implement solid waste management systems in residential complexes with around 1,000 residents to effectively tackle local waste management challenges.
Initially envisioned by the previous BJP administration, the Kantatoli flyover project saw its foundation laid in November 2017. Originally planned to be 905 meters long with a budget of ₹192 crore, the project later underwent revisions, extending its length to 1,250 meters and raising the budget to ₹257 crore. Construction commenced in mid-2018, but various challenges, including land acquisition and design flaws, postponed its completion past the initial 2019 deadline.
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