5 railway underpasses to be built in Kangra

In a major relief to thousands of Pong Dam oustees and nearby villagers, the Central Government has approved the construction of five underpasses along the Pathankot-Jogindernagar railway line, Kangra Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa said here today.

He said, “The decision addresses a long-standing demand of improved connectivity and safe commuting for residents on both sides of the railway track”. The underpasses would be constructed at Ludret, Katholi, Bariyal, Nandpur and Khabli, all critical points that link numerous villages divided by the railway line. At present, residents, especially those with motor vehicles, face significant challenges due to the absence of proper crossings.

The issue has persisted for decades, particularly affecting the Pong Dam oustees, many of whom were resettled in Kangra district on both sides of the railway line. As their settlements were split by the railway line, the lack of safe and convenient underpasses had been a pressing concern for them for decades.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has welcomed the decision of the Central Government, saying it fulfilled a “years-old dream”. He wrote in a social media post about the state government’s continuous efforts for infrastructure development in Kangra district, which it wants to develop as tourism capital.

MP Rajiv Bhardwaj also lauded the decision. “This was a major public demand and the result is now visible. We have also urged the Central Government to further expand the railway infrastructure and connect key tourist destinations across the state,” he added. The sanctioned underpasses were would ease transportation hassles and foster development, the MP said.