Baltana, Feb 14: A critical infrastructure project aimed at easing traffic at the Raipur Kalan-Harmilap Nagar level crossing remains in limbo as the Chandigarh UT Administration awaits land possession to release its share of Rs 6.40 crore. The underbridge, intended to serve commuters from Mohali, Chandigarh, and Panchkula, has been pending for nearly seven years.
Railway authorities confirmed that the bidding process has been completed, but the lack of deposited funds from the UT prevents the commencement of construction. “The project is a joint venture, and the work can only start once the Railways receive the administration’s portion of the cost,” an official noted. He added that the project was originally sanctioned in the 2021-22 cycle at a much lower cost before price escalations took effect.
The missed deadlines have led to increasing frustration among the local population in Baltana and Dhakoli. Community leaders mentioned that the level crossing is a major bottleneck that requires immediate relief. The project necessitates the acquisition of approximately 0.74 acres in Raipur Kalan, a process that has remained unfinished despite a notification issued in mid-2024.
With the total project cost now pegged at Rs 12.81 crore, the delay has already added nearly Rs 5 crore to the initial estimates. While the Northern Railway is prepared to use specialized techniques to build the RUB without disrupting rail traffic, the timeline for the 12-month construction phase remains uncertain until the financial and land hurdles are cleared by the UT authorities.
