Ludhiana, February 17: Union Minister of State for Railways, Ravneet Singh Bittu, announced on Tuesday that the four-lane railway overbridge being constructed in Doraha, Ludhiana district, will serve as a significant infrastructure project, strengthening connectivity in the Malwa region.
After laying the foundation stone for the long-awaited bridge, the minister addressed the media, stating that the project, estimated to cost ₹70.55 crores, is expected to be completed by next year.
He emphasized that work would proceed at a rapid pace, aiming to open the bridge as soon as possible. This development will provide relief to commuters who have faced inconvenience at this crossing for nearly 12 years.
Ravneet Singh noted that the Doraha level crossing is situated on a crucial roadway connecting Rupnagar to Ludhiana, acting as an essential link for the Malwa region.
Highlighting the urgency of the project, he mentioned that approximately 190 trains pass through this crossing daily, while over 3,000 vehicles utilize it.
The frequent closures due to rail traffic have led to persistent traffic jams, long waits, and significant inconvenience for passengers, traders, and transporters alike. The construction of the railway overbridge will soon alleviate these issues.
Ravneet Singh described this project as a significant gift for the local community, expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for their support.
He added that the four-lane overbridge will not only facilitate daily commuting but also boost economic activities by ensuring the seamless movement of goods and services.
Providing a brief overview of ongoing railway infrastructure development in Punjab, the minister stated that work is in progress at 166 locations across the state, involving overbridges, underbridges, and low-height subways, with an investment of ₹1,480.09 crores.
He emphasized that there is no shortage of funds for railway infrastructure development in Punjab, reiterating the government’s strong commitment to modernizing and expanding the state’s rail network.
The annual railway budget allocation for Punjab is approximately 25 times higher than during the 2009-2014 period, amounting to ₹5,673 crores.
Currently, foundational projects worth ₹26,382 crores are underway across Punjab, including new track construction, station redevelopment, safety improvement measures, and other capacity enhancement initiatives.
Additionally, the redevelopment of 30 railway stations in the state is being undertaken under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, with a total investment of ₹1,311 crores to provide modern passenger amenities and improved facilities.
The minister also expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister and Railway Minister for approving the construction of the third and fourth railway lines between Delhi and Ambala.
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