Raipur Kalan-Harmilap Nagar Road Under Bridge Project Finally Moves Forward After Seven-Year Delay
After remaining stalled for more than seven years, the long-pending road under bridge (RUB) project at the Raipur Kalan-Harmilap Nagar level crossing is finally set to move towards execution. This joint venture between the Indian Railways and the UT Chandigarh Administration has seen significant delays that have substantially escalated costs over time.
Tendering Process Initiated with February Deadline
The Northern Railway has now initiated the tendering process for this crucial infrastructure project. According to railway tender documents, e-bids have been invited for the construction of the RUB on the Ambala-Chandigarh rail section. The work will be carried out using the normal pushing technique under the running track, with bids scheduled to open on February 13, 2026.
Once the work is allotted to a contractor, the project is expected to be completed within 12 months, bringing much-needed relief to commuters who have faced chronic congestion at this crossing for years.
Significant Cost Escalation Due to Prolonged Delays
The financial implications of the seven-year delay have been substantial. The Northern Railway originally sanctioned the project in 2021-22 at an estimated cost of Rs 7.99 crore, with the UT Administration's share fixed at Rs 4 crore and the railways contributing Rs 3.99 crore.
The revised project cost has now risen dramatically to Rs 12.81 crore, representing an increase of approximately 60% from the original estimate. This cost escalation has prompted railway authorities to seek 50% of the updated amount, specifically Rs 6.405 crore, from the UT Administration.
Land Acquisition Progress and Administrative Support
In July 2025, the UT Administration issued a notification for the acquisition of nearly 0.74 acres in Raipur Kalan village for the construction of the RUB at the Chandigarh-Baltana-Harmilap Nagar level crossing (No. 123-C).
Recently, the UT Chief Engineer directed the Land Acquisition Officer to expedite the acquisition of 5 kanal and 19 marla in Raipur Kalan and hand it over to the Engineering Department to commence construction work. Railway authorities have also requested a detailed status report and timeline on the land acquisition process.
The project received a significant boost after Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria approved the release of 50% of the UT Administration's revised share of Rs 6.40 crore to the railway authorities for the construction of the RUB.
Expected Benefits for Regional Commuters
Once completed, the underpass is expected to provide major relief from traffic congestion to residents of multiple areas. The beneficiaries will include residents of Raipur Kalan village, Mauli Jagran and Vikas Nagar in Chandigarh, as well as Baltana, Zirakpur and Dhakoli in Mohali, and parts of Panchkula.
The level crossing currently witnesses long traffic snarls during morning and evening peak hours, significantly affecting daily commuters across the region. The RUB was first proposed in 2017 specifically to ease this chronic congestion at the Harmilap Nagar-Baltana railway crossing.
Community Impact and Resident Response
According to the Social Impact Assessment report, no residential displacement is involved in the acquisition, though two families in Raipur Kalan will lose agricultural land. This represents a relatively minimal community disruption compared to the substantial transportation benefits expected from the project.
Joint Action Committee chairman Partap Singh Rana expressed satisfaction with the progress, stating, "The project is the result of sustained efforts by residents over several years. The floating of the tender and progress in land acquisition indicated that the long-pending demand is finally nearing fulfilment."
The project had remained stuck for years primarily due to delays in land acquisition and the non-deposit of funds by the UT Administration. With these hurdles now being addressed systematically, residents and commuters can finally anticipate the completion of this crucial infrastructure project that will transform regional connectivity.
