Central Minister of State for Railways and Food Processing, Ravneet Singh Bittu has issued a stern warning to the Punjab government, stating that if they do not issue the No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the construction of the Sahnewal-Doraha Railway Overbridge (ROB), he will be forced to launch a public protest alongside the people of Punjab.
Singh visited the site of the proposed Railway Overbridge today and witnessed the severe difficulties faced by commuters. This level crossing sees 190 trains and over 3,000 vehicles passing daily. Singh accused the Punjab government of deliberately delaying the project, despite the fact that the railway has approved funding of Rs. 70.56 crores, with 100% of the cost to be borne by the railway.
“The Punjab government under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is obstructing this vital project, which is causing immense inconvenience to the public,” Bittu stated. He also mentioned that despite several attempts by the Railways to obtain the NOC, Punjab’s Public Works Department (PWD) has failed to issue it, citing unresolved disputes.
He further highlighted that the project was proposed after a 2022 census recorded approximately 6 lakh Train Vehicle Units (TVU) at this level crossing. Based on this, the ROB project was approved. Singh mentioned that although the PWD had concluded the work in 2021, the Railway Board approved the project at a cost of Rs. 70.56 crore in February 2024.
Singh stated that multiple meetings with PWD officials had been held to address the issues surrounding the NOC, but no substantial progress has been made. He emphasized, “If the Punjab government does not resolve this issue promptly, we will be forced to take the matter to the streets and launch a protest.”
