Reopen UE railway crossings: Pargat writes to Rlys, MC

AICC secretary and Jalandhar Cantt MLA Pargat Singh has again warned the Railways authorities and Municipal Corporation over their failure to complete the Subhana railway underpass, which was submerged in rainwater and left the route blocked for residents.

The MLA reiterated his long-standing demand to immediately reopen the C-7 railway crossing, linking Urban Estate Phases 1 and 2. He reminded that he had already written to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw four months ago regarding this demand. In light of growing public difficulties, Singh said he would now also demand the reopening of C-8 railway crossing.

He accused the Railways of hurriedly closing C-7 and C-8 crossings and opening an incomplete underpass, which resulted in severe waterlogging during the monsoon. “The underpass had five-six feet deep water, cutting off local residents from road. This is the cost of careless decisions,” Singh said.

Highlighting public inconvenience, Singh noted that the closure of C-7 had forced people visiting the adjoining cremation ground to take a 2-km detour instead of a 200-metre approach. School buses and children are facing daily hardships. The market adjoining C-8 is on the verge of closure, leaving shopkeepers struggling for livelihood.

He said reopening C-7 alongside the underpass would immediately ease traffic and provide relief to thousands of residents. Singh reminded that he had raised these demands earlier through a written letter to the Railway Minister in May, and also in meetings with Railway officials and the Deputy Commissioner.

On the underpass, Singh criticised both Railways and Municipal Corporation for opening it without completion certificate and basic safety provisions. “Had they acted responsibly, the underpass would not have been opened in such a hurry. It still lacks roofing, proper lighting, and permanent pumping arrangements. Only a basic drainage system exists. With no emergency motors, waterlogging was inevitable,” he said.

Pargat Singh assured residents that he stands firmly with them and will continue to fight for their relief until the crossings are reopened and the underpass completed with proper safeguards.