By Arun Kumar Das
Ludhiana (Punjab), Feb 17: Construction of a four-lane Railway Over Bridge (ROB) at Level Crossing No. 164AB in Doraha will emerge as a landmark infrastructure project, significantly strengthening connectivity between the Malwa region in Punjab with adjoining districts, according to Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu.
Addressing media after laying the foundation stone of the ROB, the Minister said the project, estimated to cost ₹70.55 crore, will be completed within the next year.
He emphasized that the work will now proceed on war-footing and the bridge will be opened to the public at the earliest, bringing long-overdue relief to commuters who have faced inconvenience at the level crossing for nearly 12 years.
Ravneet said the Doraha level crossing lies on a vital road stretch connecting Rupnagar to Ludhiana, serving as an important link between the capital city of Punjab and the entire Malwa region.
Highlighting the urgency of the project, the Minister noted that nearly 190 trains pass through this crossing daily, while more than 3,000 vehicles traverse it each day.
The frequent closures due to rail traffic have caused persistent congestion, long waiting times, and significant hardship for commuters, traders, and transporters alike.
With the construction of the ROB, these challenges will soon be a thing of the past.
Providing an overview of ongoing railway infrastructure development in Punjab, the Minister informed that works on Railway Over Bridges (ROB), Railway Under Bridges (RUB), and Low Height Subways (LHS) are currently underway at 166 locations across the state, with a total investment of ₹1,480.09 crore.
Currently, infrastructure projects worth ₹26,382 crore are in progress across Punjab, encompassing new track construction, station redevelopment, safety enhancement measures, and other capacity augmentation initiatives, he said.
Additionally, 30 railway stations in the state are being comprehensively redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, with a total investment of ₹1,311 crore, aimed at providing modern passenger amenities and improved facilities. (BVI)
