Residents protest prolonged closure of railway crossing

Residents and establishments of Urban Estate Phase 1 and Phase 2 have expressed outrage over the prolonged closure of railway crossing C7 during train movements. They alleged that the crossing was being closed even before the Nakodar-Jalandhar DMU had started from Nakodar, describing it as deliberate harassment and misuse of authority by railway officials.

Locals claim that the railways are making life miserable for thousands of commuters without any logical reason. "C7 has been operating smoothly for more than 60 years, with gates previously closed only for five to 10 minutes per train. But ever since residents requested the reopening of the crossing, which had been permanently closed, we are being unduly harassed," said Rajesh Sharma, Transport Manager of Mayor World School in Urban Estate.

The crossing had been shut for nearly seven months, forcing residents, school buses, and ambulances to rely solely on the newly built underpass. However, the underpass often remains waterlogged during monsoons, effectively cutting off connectivity between Urban Estate 1 and 2. After continuous public protests and repeated appeals to senior leaders, including Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the crossing was recently ordered to reopen. A new underpass has also been sanctioned as a permanent solution, with directives that C7 remain operational until its completion. Residents claim to possess written proof of these instructions.

Locals allege that instead of easing the situation, railway staff are taking an arrogant approach. "The gate at C7 is being kept closed for nearly an hour each time, even before the train leaves Nakodar. This was never the practice in the past 60 years," residents said, noting that the Nakodar-Jalandhar line is a small, slow passenger branch with 8 to 10 mostly empty trains daily, often delayed. They question the logic behind blocking thousands of commuters, school buses, and ambulances for such trains.

While there are around 18 level crossings between Nakodar and Jalandhar, residents claim only C7 is being singled out for prolonged closures. When area councillor Mintu Juneja questioned Ferozepur divisional railway officials, he reportedly received a rude reply: "If people have a problem, they may talk to the minister. Nothing will happen."

Over 27 schools and colleges are located near C7, and young children are among the worst affected. Many students cry inside school buses, hungry and desperate for washrooms, while parents stand helplessly outside. Ambulances carrying patients remain stuck for long durations, and daily quarrels have become common. Senior citizens and those with medical conditions are reportedly suffering daily.

Citizens also cite Section 176(b) of The Railways Act, 1989, which states that keeping a level crossing closed without reasonable justification is punishable by a fine. They question why the Railways are violating their own laws while claiming to serve the public.

The matter has been formally reported to the Commissioner of Police and ADCP Traffic. Residents are planning to meet the Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, the Mayor, and the Deputy Commissioner to demand immediate corrective action. The public has made it clear they will not remain silent, warning that if the situation does not improve, they may resume their Rail Roko Andolan and organise a peaceful dharna.