Lok Sabha Question No. 286 (STARRED), answered on 2026-03-12
Subject: ROBs and Railway Underpass Project on NH‑32
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: Shri Dulu Mahato

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 286 ANSWERED ON 12 TH  MARCH, 2026

## ROBS AND RAILWAY UNDERPASS PROJECT ON NH-32

286.    SHRI DULU MAHATO:

Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मंत्री

be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  it  is  a  fact  that  the  project  for  construction  of  Railway Overbridges  (ROBs)/Underpasses  on  National  Highway  (NH)-32  at  Sonardih and  Goshala  near  Dhanbad-Bokaro  section  were  earlier  sanctioned  but subsequently kept in abeyance on account of observations in the report of Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research (CIMFR) regarding underground mine fire;
- (b)  whether the present traffic pressure on NH-32 and frequent obstruction due to railway line operation have aggravated congestion and increased the risk of accidents in the said stretch;
- (c)  whether  the  Government  proposes  to  revive  the  said  project  as  an independent scheme with fresh tendering and if so, the details thereof;
- (d)  if  not,  whether  alternative  structures  such  as  underpasses  or  other feasible  designs  are  being  considered  to  ensure  safe  and  smooth  traffic movement; and
- (e)  the  time-frame within which a final decision is likely to be taken in the interest of passengers, local citizens and for industrial connectivity between Dhanbad and Bokaro?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS (SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)

- (a) to (e)    A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 286 ANSWERED ON 12 TH  MARCH, 2026 ASKED BY SHRI DULU MAHATO  REGARDING  'ROBS AND RAILWAY  UNDERPASS

PROJECT ON NH-32'. (a) Yes Sir, the construction of Railway Over-bridges (ROBs)  at Sonardih and Goshala were earlier sanctioned but subsequently de-scoped due to objections  received  from  Central  Institute  of  Mining  and  Fuel  Research (CIMFR) regarding underground mine fire in that area. (b)  Moderate  Traffic  congestion  has  been  reported  during  railway  line operation. (c)  to  (e)  The   affected  fire  zone  area  falls  on  old  NH-32  (Mahuda-Dhanbad town-Govindpur  section) in Dhanbad  is presently maintained  by State Highway Authority of Jharkhand (SHAJ), Govt. of Jharkhand. Alternate route of  this  section  has  already  been  developed  &  completed  by  National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) in the year 2022 as part of new section of NH-32 (New NH-18) i.e. from Mahuda to Rajganj merging at NH-2 (new NH-19). However, in realigned section, 1.5 km stretch including Railway Overbridge (ROB) could not be developed/constructed due to Fire zone area as per report of Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS). DPR  for  new  alignment  was  being  explored  to  construct  the  ROB  and  its approaches.  However  Ministry  of  Coal  has  suggested  to  explore  a  new alignment  outside  the  fire-affected  area  and NHAI  has  requested  DGMS  to provide the map of the fire-affected area and details of the fire zone so that the  DPR  for  a  new  alignment,  which  lies  outside  the  fire  zone,  can  be finalized  for  construction  of  De-scoped  ROB's.  After  receipt  of  the  details from DGMS, new alignment for ROBs will be finalised.

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