Railway underbridge project off track since ’22, people hassled

The construction of a dual carriage railway underbridge in Urban Estate, Phase-I, here has been stalled for nearly three years, causing resentment among residents.

They said despite multiple complaints and requests to the Municipal Corporation, Jalandhar, to expedite the project, the progress remains at a standstill.

The project, with an estimated cost of Rs 16 crore, was inaugurated by then Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi in December 2021.

Reasons for delay

• The excavation at the site began in February 2022, but the work was halted when sewage pipes got damaged
• The MC then took more than a year and a half to repair the pipes
• In September last year, leakage started and additional damage was discovered in the sewer lines. This resulted in delay in the project again
• The PSPCL has not removed the electricity poles despite the payment reportedly made
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  to the department

The excavation at the site began in February 2022, but the work was abruptly halted when sewage pipes were damaged during the process. The MC then took more than a year and a half to repair the pipes, further delaying the project.

However, even after the repair was completed in September last year, leakage started and additional damage was discovered in the sewage lines. This resulted in another halt to the project.

Not only this, the situation is further complicated by the presence of PSPCL electricity poles on both sides of the underbridge, which are yet to be removed. MC officials claim that they have paid the PSPCL for the removal, but no action has been taken.

Meanwhile, residents are increasingly concerned about the dangerous conditions created by the incomplete excavation work. The site has turned into a large pit filled with stagnant sewage water, posing health and safety risk.

Banwari Lal Shastri, a priest at a temple just in front of the site, criticised the MC for starting excavation without coordinating with the electricity department to relocate the poles. He said several accidents had occurred at the site, especially at night when the uneven surface was difficult to navigate.

Advocate Sanjeev Sharma, who had won a case against the MC, PSPCL and Railways under Section 133 of the CrPC for public nuisance, expressed his resentment over the continued delay in the project. He said despite orders from the Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Jalandhar-1 in September 2022 to complete the sewerage work within two months, little progress has been made.

Sharma said foul smell and daily challenges faced by residents due to the neglected site had made their lives miserable.

Superintendent Engineer of the PSPCL SP Sondhi confirmed that the payment to shift the poles was received just 10 days ago and assured that work would commence soon.

MC Commissioner Gautam said the pipes were damaged again due to some problem with the STP, which failed to handle the excess rainwater properly, and caused water to accumulate and put pressure on the pipes, leading to leaks. He said immediate repair had been ordered and the XEN had been directed to get the work done.