Sigh of relief for commuters, residents as Doraha ROB gets final nod

With Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu finally announcing the approval of the railway overbridge here, commuters and residents have heaved a sigh of relief.

The project has already cleared the tendering process and the work has been initiated at the site.

It has finally been cleared after years of wrangling between the Centre, state government and local leaders over the no objection certificate (NOC) and credit claims.

The ROB had become a critical need of the hour for addressing traffic congestion and safety concerns at the level crossing. It took around seven years to get approval.

Residents of surrounding villages and commuters were literally fed up with level crossing, which used to remain closed for hours together. To make things worse, frequent technical snags in the crossing made the situation even worse. Moreover, the authorities never spared a thought to convey the same to the commuters when they take the stretch. After reaching the crossing, they come to know that it was shut for the day or even days together.

Joginder Oberoi and his local associates, who had tirelessly demanded the construction of the ROB, were thrilled that their long-pending demand had finally been heard.

“We are grateful that the railway minister had listened to our pleas and made efforts to get the final nod. The construction of the ROB would not only reduce time but also make travel safer and easier,” he said.

“The overbridge will save precious time of students, who used to get stranded for hours and reach their schools late. Many times we were not allowed to enter the class and our attendance for the first period usually fell short. Starting early from our places too helped us the least as the level crossing was seldom open,” said Sukhwinder, a student of a local college.

“The construction work of the ROB was started seven years ago but faced several delays. Now that the project has restarted, let us hope that it nears completion in time and does not meet with a similar fate. The commuters have been facing trouble for years. Hence, it is demanded that the work be started and completed in the stipulated time period for the convenience of thousands of commuters who take to this road as a matter of routine,” said Jandeep Kauhsal, a resident of the area.

Payal MLA Manwinder Singh Giaspura while expressing gratitude to the Central Government, especially Minister of Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu, said the construction of the ROB would bring relief to commuters who were facing tough times due to frequent closure of the level crossing.

“I too wrote at least 10 times to the government, highlighting the issue. Now that the approval has been given by the Northern Railway, I wish to thank everyone, including previous governments, who raised the demand at one time or the other. It is a joint success, which we should celebrate,” he said.