Chandigarh, May 20 (IANS) Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu on Wednesday welcomed Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria and expressed his gratitude to him for participating in the foundation stone laying ceremony for the Road Under Bridge at level crossing number 123, located at Baltana on the Ambala-Chandigarh rail section.

Addressing the gathering, Governor Kataria stated that Indian Railways plays a pivotal role in strengthening the spirit of “Unity in Diversity” within the country.

“People from various states across the nation travel to remote regions via the railways, thereby gaining the opportunity to familiarise themselves with diverse languages, cultures, traditions, and lifestyles. Rail travel serves not merely as a means to commute from one place to another, but also as a powerful medium for experiencing the country’s rich cultural diversity,” he said.

He further remarked that Indian Railways is actively engaged in weaving the citizens of the nation into a single cohesive thread.

“The railways act as a bridge, facilitating the discovery and understanding of the distinct cuisines, attire, customs, and cultural heritage of various states,” he added.

The Governor emphasised that Indian Railways’ contribution to nation-building is immense.

“By emerging as the country’s largest network for public connectivity and social integration, it continues to further reinforce national unity,” he said.

Addressing the ceremony, Union Minister Bittu noted that Governor Kataria, hailing from a vast state like Rajasthan, possesses a profound understanding of the significance of rail transport.

He stated, “Rajasthan is one of the largest states in the country, and its railway network is extremely extensive. The Hon’ble Governor is well aware of how railway connectivity brings about positive changes in people’s lives and accelerates regional development. I express my heartfelt gratitude to him for sparing his time and extending his cooperation for this significant project.”

Providing details regarding the Road Under Bridge project, Union Minister Bittu informed that the project is being constructed at a cost of Rs 12 crore.

This project is being executed on a 50:50 cost-sharing basis between Indian Railways and the Chandigarh Administration.

Currently, the Baltana level crossing witnesses a traffic volume exceeding 900,000 Traffic Vehicle Units, making it one of the busiest and most critical railway crossings in the region.

Upon the completion of this project, residents of Baltana and the surrounding areas will benefit from safe, convenient, and uninterrupted connectivity.

He also highlighted a significant policy shift by Indian Railways to eliminate level crossings.

He remarked, “Previously, whenever a Railway Over Bridge was constructed at a specific location, the corresponding level crossing was automatically closed down. This caused considerable inconvenience to nearby shopkeepers, local 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. This will safeguard the livelihoods of local residents and ensure continued convenience for the general public,” he added.

The Union Minister further explained that in locations where sufficient space is unavailable for the construction of conventional structures, Indian Railways will construct ‘Low Height Subways’ utilising state-of-the-art machinery and modern construction techniques.

He also announced that work on the long-awaited Dhakoli Railway Over Bridge project is set to commence shortly.

He added, “The construction of the Dhakoli Railway Over Bridge will lead to a significant reduction in traffic congestion in the region, providing immense relief to thousands of commuters and local residents.”

He remarked that, under the leadership of PM Modi, Indian Railways is rapidly expanding its infrastructure while prioritising public convenience, safety, and inclusive development.

He added, “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.”

Union Minister Bittu reiterated the Government of India’s unwavering commitment to strengthening railway infrastructure in the Punjab and Chandigarh region and to providing safe, modern, and future-oriented transportation facilities.

–IANS

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