The Chandigarh administration has moved a key step closer to unlocking construction of the long-pending Baltana road underbridge, confirming it will deposit ₹6.40 crore, its share of project costs, with the Indian Railways to enable work at a critical level crossing on the Ambala–Chandigarh line.
The decision ends months of financial stalemate that had stalled execution despite tenders being invited and bids opened last month. Civic officials say the underbridge at the Raipur Kalan–Harmilap Nagar railway crossing will replace a busy level crossing used daily by commuters from Chandigarh’s Raipur Kalan, Mauli Jagran and Vikas Nagar, as well as adjoining Baltana, Zirakpur, Dhakoli and Panchkula corridors in neighbouring districts. The grade separation is expected to significantly ease chronic traffic congestion, especially during morning and evening peak periods, and improve safety by reducing interaction between rail and road traffic. The project has been under discussion for more than seven years, with earlier approvals granted by the UT Administrator and Governor and Northern Railway preparing tenders for construction through a “normal pushing” method — a technique that allows work to progress around active train operations. However, construction could not commence until the Chandigarh administration deposited its half share of the cost, delaying the start despite bid awards being completed.
The ₹6.40 crore payment — representing Chandigarh’s 50 % contribution to the updated project cost — now clears a critical roadblock. Once funds are transferred to the railway authorities, the contract can be formally activated and work is slated for completion within 12 months of commencement. Officials emphasise that timely land acquisition and clearances remain prerequisites for moving into full-scale construction. Urban planners argue that infrastructure such as underbridges is essential for growing urban regions where road and rail corridors intersect. In fast-developing peri-urban belts surrounding Chandigarh, increasing freight and commuter traffic have heightened the risk of delays and accidents at level crossings. A dedicated underbridge reduces idling time, enhances connectivity between economic hubs, and supports efficient movement of goods and labour — factors crucial for balanced regional development.
The project also fits into broader efforts to modernise mobility infrastructure across Punjab, Haryana and the Union Territory, where rail-road interface bottlenecks have hindered seamless transport. With the administrative funding decision now in hand, traffic engineers and local leaders say residents could soon see tangible relief from long queueing at the crossing — a welcome improvement for daily commuters, school traffic and local businesses. Nevertheless, experts caution that execution will hinge on effective coordination between the Chandigarh administration, rail authorities and local land acquisition offices. Experience from similar projects shows that delays in site handovers or utility relocations can offset initial gains and extend project timelines. Transparent monitoring and timely updates on construction progress will be key to maintaining public confidence.
As the underbridge moves from planning to implementation, its completion is likely to be a noteworthy milestone in the region’s transport infrastructure landscape — one that can enhance road safety, improve connectivity and catalyse further investments in urban mobility systems.
