**Summary:**
In response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 1938 on July 31st, 2025, regarding the construction on National Highway 34 (NH34), the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways addressed inquiries about the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for the Damoh to Jabalpur segment. These DPRs encompass three sections: a four-lane road with shoulder from Damoh to Abhana, a two-lane road with shoulder from Abhana to Katangi, and a four-lane road with shoulder from Katangi to Jabalpur.
The Ministry, represented by Shri Nitin Jairam Gadkari, clarified that the government undertakes feasibility studies and DPR preparation for various National Highway projects, including widening, strengthening, and new greenfield developments. Project implementation and investment decisions are based on the DPR's outcome, connectivity requirements, prioritization, and alignment with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.
Regarding NH34 from Damoh to Jabalpur, the DPR preparation has been completed. The final decision on lane configuration will be based on factors such as traffic volume, land requirements, statutory clearances, and financial viability. The response indicates that while DPRs are prepared, final approval and lane configurations are contingent upon comprehensive assessments.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways: The Indian government ministry responsible for the development and maintenance of national highways.
NH34: National Highway 34, a specific national highway in India under consideration for construction and upgrades.
SHRI RAHUL SINGH LODHI: A member of the Lok Sabha (Indian Parliament) who raised a question about the NH34 construction project.
SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI: The Minister of Road Transport and Highways, responsible for answering the parliamentary question regarding NH34.
Damoh: A city in Madhya Pradesh, India; a starting point of a segment of NH34 under consideration for upgrades.
Abhana: A location on NH34 between Damoh and Katangi, under consideration for road construction.
Katangi: A town on NH34 between Abhana and Jabalpur, under consideration for road construction.
Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh: A city in Madhya Pradesh, India; an endpoint of a segment of NH34 under consideration for upgrades.
PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan: A national infrastructure development plan by the Indian government to promote integrated and holistic planning.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1938
ANSWERED ON 31ST JULY, 2025
CONSTRUCTION ON NH-34
1938. SHRI RAHUL SINGH LODHI:
Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार् ग मंत्री
be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government is aware that the Detailed Project Reports
(DPRs) are being prepared for the second segment of National Highways
(NHs)-34 (i) four-lane road from Damoh to Abhana with shoulder (ii) two-lane
road from Abhana to Katangi with shoulder and (iii) four-lane road from
Katangi to Jabalpur with shoulder;
(b) if so, whether the in-principle approval for this NH construction work has
been granted therein with the same criteria; and
(c) if so, the main reason for granting approval with such criteria?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
(SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)
(a) to (c) Government undertakes feasibility study/Detailed Project
Report(DPR) for widening/strengthening/new greenfield for various National
Highway declared by Government of India. Decision for project
implementation and investment is taken based on the outcome of DPR,
requirement of connectivity, inter-se priority and synergy with PM Gati Shakti
National Master Plan. As far as National Highway 34 from Damoh-Jabalpur is
concerned, the work of preparation of DPR for the stretch of has been
completed. The final decision on lane configuration would be based on traffic
volume, land requirement, statutory clearances and financial viability.
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