Ghaziabad: A rail overbridge connecting Modinagar and Hapur Road, proposed to ease congestion at a busy railway crossing, remains incomplete two years after work began, affecting around one lakh residents and commuters in the area.The project was sanctioned at a cost of Rs 48 crore. The four-lane overbridge, being constructed by UP State Bridge Corporation Ltd, was planned to be completed within two years. Its foundation stone was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, residents said the 640-metre-long bridge remains only partly built, with construction progressing intermittently.The railway crossing on the Ghaziabad-Saharanpur line is a traditional link between Ghaziabad, Hapur and Modinagar. Residents said urbanisation and the growth of Modinagar as an educational hub have increased traffic on the route. More than 55 shops are located around the crossing, adding to the activity in the area.A resident, Amit Garg, said, “Frequent waits at the railway crossing and persistent demands from residents led to the proposal for the overbridge. We expected the work to be completed within the stipulated time, but it remains unfinished. Construction has been taking place in fits and starts, causing inconvenience to residents and commuters.”Residents said the incomplete work has also affected the condition of the crossing. “The road is uneven and I have seen e-rickshaws overturn here. There are frequent traffic jams, while trains often hold up traffic for long periods. Around 50 trains pass through the crossing during the day. At times, the wait is up to 30 minutes, prompting some bikers to take risks by crossing the tracks,” said Anil Singh, another resident.Karan Veer Singh, an official of UP State Bridge Corporation Ltd, attributed the delay to land acquisition issues and the need for permission from Indian Railways to carry out work over the tracks. “We have installed the pillars, but work above the railway tracks has been delayed as this is a busy rail corridor and such work can only be undertaken during periods approved by the railways. The work is progressing slowly. We hope to complete the overbridge by next year,” he said.
