Relief from traffic snarls in sight as Haryana railway bridge projects near completion

Commuters in Haryana are expected to get relief from recurring traffic congestion at railway crossings as construction of several railway overbridges (ROBs) and road underbridges (RUBs) progresses across the state, with some projects reaching nearly 85 per cent completion.

The projects, being undertaken in districts including Rohtak, Bhiwani and Panchkula, are aimed at reducing delays caused by the frequent closure of railway level crossings and improving road connectivity.

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently reviewed the progress of the ongoing works during a meeting with officials. Following the review, a detailed progress report was submitted to the Haryana government.

According to the report, several projects have entered advanced stages of construction, while work on others has recently commenced.

𝐑𝐨𝐡𝐭𝐚𝐤 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

In Rohtak district, construction of the railway underbridge on Meham-Beri Road has reached approximately 80 per cent completion.

The project, estimated to cost Rs 50.25 crore, is expected to provide an alternative route for vehicles currently required to wait at railway crossings during train movements.

Once operational, the underbridge will allow road traffic to pass beneath the railway tracks without interruption from passing trains.

The facility is expected to benefit daily commuters, local residents and commercial vehicles using the busy route.

𝐁𝐡𝐢𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐢 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬

In Bhiwani district, construction of the railway overbridge at Siwani has reached approximately 85 per cent completion.

The project, being developed at an estimated cost of Rs 44 crore, is among the more advanced railway infrastructure works currently underway in the state.

Another railway overbridge project in Bhiwani has also entered the construction stage after the Railways released Rs 6.22 crore for the work.

According to the progress report, approximately 5 per cent of construction on this project has been completed.

Meanwhile, work has commenced on a railway underpass along the Bhiwani bypass.

The Railways has released Rs 54.45 crore for the project, which is intended to improve traffic movement along the bypass and reduce dependence on existing level crossings.

The completion of these projects is expected to ease congestion at railway crossings and improve connectivity between different parts of the district.

𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐤𝐮𝐥𝐚 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬

In Panchkula, construction of a railway overbridge has reached approximately 78 per cent completion.

The project is expected to improve traffic movement by providing a dedicated crossing over the railway tracks.

The bridge will reduce the need for motorists to stop at railway gates, particularly during periods of heavy traffic.

Officials expect the facility to improve travel convenience for residents and commuters once the remaining construction work is completed.

𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬

The railway infrastructure projects form part of broader efforts to reduce dependence on level crossings and improve road safety.

Railway gates frequently cause long queues of vehicles, particularly during peak commuting hours when trains pass through busy urban and semi-urban areas.

The construction of overbridges and underpasses allows road and rail traffic to move independently, reducing delays and the possibility of accidents at crossings.

These projects are also expected to improve access for emergency vehicles, public transport and goods carriers.

The Railways has been pursuing measures to reduce the number of level crossings across its network, with grade-separated crossings forming an important component of the programme.

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞

The latest review highlighted varying levels of progress across Haryana's railway bridge projects, with construction nearing completion at some locations and remaining at an early stage elsewhere.

The progress report submitted to the state government is expected to assist in monitoring implementation and identifying works requiring further attention.

Once completed, the projects are expected to provide smoother traffic movement, reduce waiting times and improve connectivity across the affected districts.

However, specific completion dates for the individual projects have not yet been announced.