Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, March 21

As there is a plan to open the level crossing near Vikas Nagar along the Sidhwan Canal for vehicular traffic, Cabinet Minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu today inspected the site. He was also accompanied by Williamjit Singh, Deputy Chief Engineer (Construction Division), Northern Railway, and other senior officials. The level crossing was closed after construction of the railway overbridge that is a part of Southern Bypass.

Ashu and MP Ravneet Singh Bittu had met Union Railways Minister Piyush Goyal in Delhi on March 18 and urged him to ensure that the Vikas Nagar level crossing was opened for vehicular traffic on a temporary basis because the main level crossing on Pakhowal Road had to be closed for some time when the construction of rail overbridge would start.

Ashu said the temporary opening of the level crossing (no. S3-A at Km 4/6-7) near Vikas Nagar area along the Sidhwan Canal was discussed with the Union Minister a few days ago. He stated that the construction work of rail overbridge (ROB) and rail underbridge on Pakhowal Road had already started and the construction of the ROB by the Railways would involve the closure of the main level crossing to facilitate work. “Therefore, it will be essential to divert traffic on other arterial roads during this period. So, a level crossing, no. S3-A at Km 4/6 -7 existing nearby, which was closed subsequent to the construction of the rail overbridge across it, if opened temporarily during the construction period, will immensely help in the management of the traffic,” he said.

Ashu said it was after his meeting with the Union Minister that Williamjit Singh was sent to Ludhiana to work out a plan. He also asked Williamjit Singh to ensure that the tendering process for construction work on the railways’ portion of the Pakhowal Road ROB & RUB project should be completed soon. He stated that the Deputy Chief Engineer assured that all issues would be redressed on a priority basis.

Later, Ashu also visited the Leisure Valley being developed at Bhai Randhir Singh Nagar and supervised the ongoing work. Perturbed over the slow pace of work, he asked the contractor to pull up his socks and finish work within the stipulated time.