The necessary process has been initiated. The diversion could be completed in 10 to 15 days,' Arun Kumar Sinha, deputy commissioner of Ramgarh, told reporters.

The mine fire was detected a month ago.

'A major tragedy could take place if the national highway is not closed immediately. During rainy season, the road condition worsens and the underground mine fire could lead to subsidence of the national highway,' a CCL official told IANS.

A team of experts, including officials of National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), visited the highway Wednesday. CCL authorities are trying to douse the fire without disrupting traffic.