Punjab's Doraha Railway Over Bridge Accelerates After Decade-Long Wait
The long-standing infrastructure bottleneck in Punjab's Doraha region is finally being resolved with the accelerated construction of a crucial four-lane railway over bridge. This Rs 70.55 crore project represents a landmark development that promises to significantly strengthen transportation links between the Malwa region, Chandigarh, and neighboring districts.
Ending 12 Years of Commuter Hardship
For nearly twelve years, the Doraha level crossing has been a persistent source of difficulty for daily commuters. Situated on the vital stretch connecting Rupnagar to Ludhiana, this crossing currently handles an astonishing volume of 190 trains and more than 3,000 vehicles each day. The frequent closures have consistently disrupted traffic flow between the state capital and Malwa's industrial heartland, creating significant delays and frustration.
Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu has confirmed that the project will now proceed on a war footing, with completion targeted within the next year. Beyond easing daily commutes, the bridge is expected to serve as an economic catalyst by ensuring seamless movement of goods and services for traders and transporters who have historically endured long waiting times and severe congestion.
Part of Broader Railway Infrastructure Push
The Doraha project represents just one component of a much larger railway infrastructure initiative across Punjab. Currently, railway infrastructure works including railway over bridges, railway under bridges, and low-height subways are underway at 166 different locations throughout the state. This comprehensive effort represents a total investment of ₹1,480 crore.
Additionally, the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme is actively redeveloping 30 railway stations across Punjab with an investment of ₹1,311 crore. These upgrades aim to provide modern passenger amenities and improved facilities, bringing Punjab's rail hubs in line with international standards.
Expanding Northern Connectivity
Further enhancing northern connectivity, officials have highlighted the ongoing construction of the third and fourth railway lines between Delhi and Ambala. This 194-kilometer project forms part of a larger mission to quadruple the heavily utilized Delhi–Jammu corridor.
The corridor, scheduled for completion within four years, spans central, northwest, and north Delhi while passing through Haryana districts including Sonipat, Panipat, Karnal, Kurukshetra, and Ambala. By increasing capacity, this project will improve punctuality for passenger services while providing reliable transport for thermal power plants in Ropar, Panipat, and Rajpura, along with various agricultural warehouses and industrial hubs.
Community Relief and Regional Impact
Residents of Doraha and surrounding regions have expressed considerable relief at the formal commencement of construction work. For community members who have campaigned for this bridge for over a decade, the project represents a necessary solution to traffic bottlenecks that have hampered regional growth and daily life.
The accelerated construction timeline brings hope that the longstanding transportation challenges will soon be resolved, potentially unlocking economic opportunities and improving quality of life for thousands of commuters and businesses throughout the region.
