Delay in Azad Nagar Railway Underpass affects over 2L people.

Over two lakh residents from various colonies are facing daily difficulties due to the two-year delay in the construction of an underpass at Azad Nagar Railway crossing on the Panipat-Gohana railway line. The project, which began in April 2022 with a budget of Rs 4 crore, was scheduled for completion by December 2022, but remains unfinished.

While one side of the underpass has been completed, work on the other side has stalled due to local political issues. Residents from over 20 colonies in wards 15, 16, and 17 have been forced to endure significant hardships. Thousands of children risk their lives daily crossing the railway tracks to reach school.

Before the underpass proposal, there was a railway crossing, but this was removed, leaving residents with no alternative route. People from colonies such as Krishan Pura, Raj Nagar, Azaad Nagar, Sanjay Colony, and others are now facing difficulties reaching important destinations, including the cremation ground.

The delay has also affected local businesses, as customers from nearby villages cannot access shops. “Consumers from Binjhol, Madhana, Raj Nagar, and Azaad Nagar can’t reach our stores, and our business is suffering,” said Anuj, a local shopkeeper.

The issue has been further complicated by a temple in the middle of the proposed road, halting progress. The matter was raised at a District Public Relation and Grievance Redressal Committee meeting, where Haryana Cabinet Minister Krishan Bedi formed a committee to inspect the site.

Ravinder Bhatia, a former councillor and grievance committee member, confirmed that one side of the underpass is complete, but the road cannot be built due to the temple. A report will be submitted at the next grievance redressal meeting.