Minister of State for Defence and Member of Parliament from Ranchi, Sanjay Seth, held a press conference on Monday at his office in the Namo E-Library to highlight substantial progress in railway infrastructure within the Ranchi Lok Sabha constituency over the past three years.

He announced that major development work is underway across four key railway divisions—Ranchi, Chakradharpur, Adra, and Dhanbad—with a total investment exceeding Rs 42 billion. While several projects have already been completed, many others are progressing rapidly.

Ongoing works include the construction of overbridges, underpasses, and station upgrades at a cost of Rs 7.32 billion. Freight handling facilities at Namkum, Tatisilwai, and Chandil are being enhanced for Rs 540 million, aimed at improving logistics operations and creating employment in the region.

Among the key projects is the near-completion of the Koderma–Ranchi line doubling, costing Rs 2.34 billion. A third line spanning 291 km is planned at McCluskieganj with a budget of Rs 3.56 billion. Additionally, a new railway line between Chandil and Anara is being developed with an allocation of Rs 19.32 billion. In a first for India, a railway level crossing is being built in partnership with the National Highways Authority at a cost of Rs 1.2 billion.

Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, modernisation of Ranchi and Hatia stations is underway with a combined budget of Rs 880 million. Platform 1B is being extended for Rs 60 million, and Rs 120 million is being spent on essential amenities including toilets, drinking water, and facilities for differently-abled passengers.

Special emphasis has been placed on rural infrastructure. The underpass between Chandil and Kadamdih is 75 per cent complete. Two Road Over Bridge (ROB) projects in the HEC area are set to begin shortly, supported by the state government. Planned improvements at Namkum, Gangaghat, Muri, Silli, and Govinddhara stations—including upgraded platforms, sanitation, lifts, toilets, and waiting halls—are budgeted at Rs 140 million.