The construction work has begun for a part of the multi-state 6-lane Varanasi–Kolkata via Hazaribagh Expressway connecting Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.

As it is, the Hazaribagh Stretch covers approximately 48 km across 5 blocks (Sadar, Churchu, Katkamdag, Barkagaon, and Dadi) and 26 villages. The district administration has completed land acquisition after disbursing compensation of about ₹59 crore.

“Construction is progressing under the Hazaribagh Project Implementation Unit”, said a Project Unit officer preferring anonymity.

Also, Expressway Project Director Manoj Kumar Pandey has said, “Land acquisition in Hazaribag is complete. Construction is under way in Katkamdag. Efforts are being made to complete the work within the deadline.”

Land acquisition for an interchange linking Hazaribag district to the proposed six-lane Varanasi-Kolkata Greenfield Expressway was  completed at Phataha in Katkamdag block of Hazaribag district, where construction has begun on site under Bharatmala Pariyojana.

Nearly 733 acres have been acquired for the interchange, which will provide expressway access to Hazaribag and the neighbouring districts of Chatra, Koderma, and Ramgarh. It would also improve connectivity to Barkagaon and the coal belt, creating a faster route to Varanasi, Bihar, and West Bengal, according to a report.

The district administration had acquired around 733 acres in 26 villages for the project. The Land Acquisition Office has disbursed nearly Rs 59 crore to landowners as compensation, an official said.

About 48 km of the expressway will pass through Hazaribag district. It will enter through Itkhori near Bedgi village in Chatra, cross Katkamsandi, and continue towards Ramgarh via Chainpur in Mandu.