In a significant move to enhance commuter safety and convenience, Haryana Transport Minister Anil Vij announced on Thursday a proposal for constructing a pedestrian underpass between the Ambala Cantonment bus stand and the railway station. This infrastructure project is poised to benefit lakhs of daily commuters, railway passengers, and local residents who currently navigate the perilous crossing of the busy Grand Trunk (GT) Road.
Project Details and Clearance Process
Minister Anil Vij revealed that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has prepared the detailed plan for the underpass. The proposal has been formally sent to the railways and Haryana Roadways to obtain No Objection Certificates (NOCs), as the structure will pass through areas under their respective jurisdictions. Vij assured that construction work will commence promptly once all necessary clearances are secured.
The planned underpass is designed to be 60 metres long, providing a fully covered pathway. It will originate near the GT Road-side exit gate of the Ambala Cantt bus stand and extend directly to the escalator area of the railway station. The design includes provisions for adequate lighting and other essential amenities to ensure user comfort and security. To tackle the issue of water accumulation, especially during monsoons, the plan includes the installation of pump sets for effective water disposal.
A Solution to a Long-Standing Problem
Highlighting the critical need for this project, Minister Vij pointed out that the Ambala Cantonment railway station is one of the busiest in North India, handling lakhs of passengers every single day. Directly opposite, on the other side of the GT Road, the Ambala Cantt bus stand serves thousands of passengers daily through hundreds of bus arrivals and departures.
The heavy, fast-moving traffic on this national highway has long posed a serious safety risk and major inconvenience for people needing to cross between the two transport hubs. Pedestrians, often burdened with luggage, are forced to weave through vehicles, leading to hazardous situations. The new underpass will directly address this decades-old problem by enabling safe, uninterrupted, and convenient pedestrian movement without ever having to step onto the highway.
Ministerial Push and Project Approval
The project gained momentum following a personal request from Anil Vij to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari. Recognizing the public utility and safety imperative, Minister Gadkari directed the NHAI to prepare and execute the plan. This top-down push underscores the project's priority for both the state and central governments.
Once completed, the underpass is expected to drastically improve urban mobility in Ambala Cantonment. It will not only safeguard passengers but also decongest vehicular traffic on the GT Road near the station, creating a smoother flow for all road users. The announcement has been welcomed by local residents and commuter groups who have been advocating for such a safety measure for years.
