Railways may keep level crossings open after ROB construction if feasible: Bittu

Railways may allow level crossings to remain operational even after the construction of Railway Over Bridges (ROBs), if found technically and operationally feasible, Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu said on Wednesday.

Calling it a public-centric move aimed at safeguarding local livelihoods and ensuring public convenience, Bittu said earlier, whenever an ROB was constructed at a site, the corresponding level crossing was routinely shut, causing considerable inconvenience to nearby shopkeepers, residents and small-scale traders.

''Indian Railways has now adopted a more public-centric policy. Provided it is technically and operationally feasible, a level crossing may be kept operational even after the construction of a Railway Over Bridge,'' Bittu said after Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria laid the foundation stone of a Road Under Bridge (RUB) at a level crossing in Baltana on the Ambala-Chandigarh rail section.

''This will safeguard the livelihoods of local residents and ensure continued convenience for the general public,'' the minister added.

Providing details regarding the RUB project, Bittu said it is being constructed at a cost of Rs 12.80 crore under a 50:50 cost-sharing arrangement between the Railways and the Chandigarh Administration.

He said the Baltana level crossing records traffic exceeding 9 lakh Traffic Vehicle Units (TVUs), making it one of the busiest railway crossings in the region.

Upon completion, the project will provide residents of Baltana and nearby areas with safer, smoother and uninterrupted connectivity, he added.

The Union minister also said Railways would construct low-height subways using modern machinery and construction techniques at places where there is insufficient space for conventional structures.

Bittu announced that work on the Dhakoli ROB project would begin shortly and said it would significantly reduce traffic congestion in the area.

He said under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Railways is rapidly expanding infrastructure while prioritising public convenience, safety, and inclusive development.

''Our objective is not merely to modernise railway infrastructure, but to ensure that every development project improves the lives of common citizens and does not adversely impact their livelihoods,'' he said.

Addressing the gathering, Kataria said Railways plays a vital role in strengthening the spirit of unity in diversity in the country. He said Railways offer people an opportunity to understand diverse languages, cultures, traditions and lifestyles across the country and also contribute significantly to national integration and nation-building.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)