Decades of Traffic Gridlock in Ludhiana Region to Finally End
After years of commuter suffering and political wrangling, the central government has given its crucial approval for two significant railway overbridge (ROB) projects in Punjab's Doraha and Dhuri. The combined investment of Rs 124 crore promises to transform transportation in the region and bring long-awaited relief to thousands of daily commuters.
Doraha ROB: A Rs 70 Crore Lifeline for Malwa Region
Union Minister of State for Railways, Ravneet Singh Bittu, confirmed on Wednesday that construction work has already begun at the Doraha site, which sits strategically on the vital Delhi-Amritsar main railway line. This location has historically been a major bottleneck for travelers heading toward Chandigarh, Ropar, and Anandpur Sahib.
The Doraha crossing currently handles approximately 190 trains and more than 3,000 vehicles daily, creating frequent traffic paralysis that has frustrated residents and businesses alike for generations. Minister Bittu emphasized the project's importance, stating, "The contractor has already moved machinery to the site. This Rs 70 crore project will provide immense relief to the people of the Malwa region and significantly accelerate Punjab's economic progress."
Political Tensions Nearly Derailed Project
The approval process was not without controversy, featuring public sparring between Union Minister Bittu and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. Bittu had previously alleged that the state's Public Works Department (PWD) was withholding the necessary no-objection certificate (NOC), despite the railway department's offer to bear the entire project cost.
At one critical juncture, the Union Minister of State even threatened to stage a protest against the Chief Minister to push the project forward, accusing "cheap politics" as the primary reason for the delays that kept commuters suffering.
Dhuri Project: A Victory for Persistent Protest
In Dhuri, the general arrangement drawing (GAD) for a Rs 54 crore overbridge has received official approval. This announcement represents a significant victory for local resident Jaswinder Singh, who had undertaken a four-day hunger strike to demand the bridge's construction.
Minister Bittu praised Singh's determination and persistence, directing the local BJP unit to visit the protest site to help end the hunger strike. In a video message, Bittu expressed gratitude to local organizations for their coordination, stating, "Sometimes problems are resolved in time, and that time has finally come for the people of Dhuri."
Infrastructure Development as Economic Catalyst
These twin projects represent more than just traffic solutions—they symbolize critical infrastructure development that could unlock economic potential across Punjab's Malwa region. By eliminating railway crossing delays that have hampered transportation for decades, the overbridges are expected to improve logistics, reduce travel times, and boost local commerce.
The commencement of work at Doraha and the approval for Dhuri mark a turning point in regional infrastructure development, demonstrating how persistent advocacy—from both political representatives and ordinary citizens—can eventually overcome bureaucratic and political hurdles to deliver tangible public benefits.
