The construction work for the 600m new approach road to the south side of the extension complex of Dhanbad railway junction is almost over, said Akhilesh Kumar Pandey, senior divisional commercial manager of Dhanbad division of the East Central Railway, on Wednesday.

The project, worth Rs 2 crore, was started from October 2018. The passengers coming from Jharia, Patherdih, Digwadih, Sindri, Joraphatak etc will now enjoy a smooth ride to the railway station.

He said the upcoming approach road also has a subway which will help the passengers to skip the railway crossing. The construction work will be completed by March 31.

While speaking to The Telegraph Online on Wednesday, Pandey said, “The construction work for the 600m new approach road to the south side of the extension complex of Dhanbad railway junction is almost over and it will be opened to the public soon.”

He said, “March 31 is the deadline to finish the construction work of the subway.”

Inspector of works of Dhanbad division of railway PK Singh, who is supervising the construction work, said, “We have joined almost 24 casting pieces to complete the work. We are now trying our best to finish it as soon as possible.”

President of Purana Bazar Chamber of Commerce Md Sohrab said, “The approach road is situated near the market. So, being the community stakeholder, we regularly visit the spot to supervise the work.”

“The new approach road will greatly reduce the difficulties of the passengers, who struggle daily to reach the station through severely congested Bank More bridge,” said Sohrab.

He said the unauthorised parking of the heavy vehicles at the entry point of the approach road may cause traffic congestion.

The south side extension the complex will have a slew of new facilities including waiting hall, shopping outlets, a circulating area for vehicles, pay-and-use toilets, among others, very soon.

In 2014, Dhanbad division had developed a large parking area at the cost of Rs 4.5 crore to make it easier for the passengers to reach the main station complex situated in the north side. It receives an average footfall of more than 20,000 people.