Chief Secretary Alka Tiwari has directed all Deputy Commissioners (DCs) in Jharkhand to prioritise infrastructure projects and swiftly address any roadblocks at the district level. She highlighted that minor issues are causing delays and escalating costs for several ongoing projects, leading to resource wastage and hindering progress. “With focused attention, these problems can be resolved at the district level itself,” she stated.

Tiwari made these remarks during a review of key infrastructure projects in the state, including National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) schemes, railway overbridges, and state road expansions. The review identified land acquisition, compensation disputes, forest clearance, and law-and-order challenges as the main reasons behind delays.

The NHAI is currently working on projects worth Rs 384.83 billion in Jharkhand. Additionally, railway overbridges and the widening and expansion of state roads are in progress. However, delays in these projects have hindered the state’s ability to secure new road construction initiatives from the Central Government.

During the meeting, the DCs assured the Chief Secretary that most obstacles would be resolved in the coming days or months. However, Tiwari stressed that proposed timelines must be adhered to strictly. “No extensions will be allowed. The deadlines must be met without fail,” she emphasised.

Tiwari also instructed the DCs to give infrastructure projects top priority in their districts, monitor them continuously, and take decisive action against those causing unnecessary delays. She urged them to coordinate with relevant departments to quickly resolve issues such as law-and-order problems, forest clearances, and compensation payments to ensure timely project completion.

The review meeting was attended by senior officials including Principal Secretary of the Road Construction Department Sunil Kumar, Secretary of the Revenue, Registration, and Land Reforms Department Chandrashekhar, and officials from NHAI and the Forest Department. All concerned DCs participated via video conference.

Tiwari concluded by stressing that resolving these issues promptly would not only help complete current projects but also improve the state’s chances of securing new infrastructure development opportunities from the Central Government.

(Jharkand Story)