Congress Leader OP Soni Issues Warning Over Rego Bridge Reconstruction Delays in Amritsar
Former Deputy Chief Minister Om Parkash Soni has voiced strong concerns regarding the prolonged delay in the reconstruction of the historic Rego railway overbridge in Amritsar, labeling it a critical issue impacting daily life and public safety. During a media interaction on Wednesday, Soni emphasized that this matter extends beyond mere infrastructure, directly affecting the convenience, safety, and routines of lakhs of city residents.
Historical Context and Current Status of the Rego Bridge
The Rego bridge, originally constructed in 1905 under British rule, was designed with an expected lifespan of approximately 50 years but remained in use for over a century. In 2023, it was declared unsafe, prompting announcements for its reconstruction. A tender for the project was issued in February 2024, with a two-year deadline for completion. However, as of March 2026, only about 30% of the work has been finished, a situation Soni described as alarming and indicative of negligence by the government and relevant departments.
Impact on Residents and Public Safety
Soni highlighted that the closure of the bridge has caused significant inconvenience to residents of the walled city. Previously, a journey of about two kilometers now extends to 7-8 kilometers, adversely affecting students, traders, and daily commuters. He further noted that emergency services, including ambulances and fire brigade vehicles, are experiencing delays, posing serious risks to public safety.
Traffic Congestion and Allegations of Violations
The former Deputy CM pointed out that traffic pressure has shifted entirely to the Hall Bazar bridge, resulting in frequent congestion in the area. Additionally, Soni raised questions about a multi-storey building being constructed near the Rego Bridge, alleging that it is being built on railway land leased at a low cost and includes a basement in violation of municipal rules.
Demands and Threat of Protest
Soni urged the Punjab government to initiate a high-level inquiry, take strict action against responsible contractors and officials, and ensure the early completion of the bridge project. He warned that if the issue is not addressed seriously, he and the Congress party would launch a major protest to demand accountability and swift resolution.
