Goraya level crossing relief plans on hold

Measures started by the district administration and the Railways to build an underpass and an overbridge as alternatives to the challenging Goraya level crossing, which is making residents wait for over two hours in traffic per day, have currently hit a roadblock.

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The Tribune, in an article titled “Many lives lost at Goraya railway crossing” in these pages, had highlighted the plight of Goraya residents who have to undergo harrowing ordeals at the crossing which stays closed for a long period of time everyday. This had led to inordinate delays, accidents and medical emergencies on the stretch.

Acting on the issue, the Railways sought an NOC from the Phillaur administration for the Railways’ proposal to building two underpasses and a railway overbridge on the stretch as an alternative to the crossing. However, officials of the Railways have said that based on logistics and social obligations at the site, the projects will have to remain stalled as of now.

The Railways Department sent a proposal to close the S-82 Sargundi gate, S-83 Gate Goraya and the S-84 Dallewal Gate to make a road overbridge and two limited height subways/underpasses at the same sites. An NOC had been sought from the administration regarding the same.

In this regard, the SDM Phillaur issued a notice and sought suggestions and objections. A meeting regarding this was also held by the Shopkeepers Association Goraya recently. A large number of shopkeepers and city residents participated and expressed their views, also providing their suggestions. Councillors also attended the meeting. Most shopkeepers opined that the underpasses should be built at Dallewal and Sargundi gates and at the overbridge, but the gate between the city and Goraya should not be disturbed.

SDM Phillaur, Amanpal Singh, said, “Suggestions and objections had been sought from residents and their resposnes were also received by the administration a week ago, which have been forwarded to the Railways. The railway crossing and gates are all numbered under the Railways as per which there are proposals for an underpass/subway and an overhead bridge for gate number 82 and for underpasses at gate number 83 and 84. The start of the work on the project and the work undertaken - will all be done under the railways.”

ADM, Railways, Ludhiana, Akashdeep Singh, said, “The administration has already provided the NOC for the project. But based on the on-site scenario and social constraints, presently the projects for the underpasses and the overbridges are not feasible. Many shopkeepers have their establishments on the sites where the projects are proposed and these may hit a roadblock. For the moment, the project is under further review.”