CHANDIGARH: The Union Railways Ministry has initiated a technical assessment of a proposal to construct a railway overbridge (ROB) at Narayana railway level crossing No. 43 in Panipat district, following a request by Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Bhatia. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has assured that appropriate action will be taken in accordance with the rules once the review is complete.The demand for an ROB, alongside the under-construction railway underbridge (RUB), was raised by residents and panchayat representatives of Narayana, Dodhpur, Titana, Didwari, Budsham, Khalila Prahladpur, Manna and nearby villages. They submitted a joint memorandum to Bhatia, stating that the route is a vital transport link for the region.According to the memorandum, an RUB alone may not adequately meet future traffic needs, particularly during the monsoon, when waterlogging could disrupt movement. Villagers also expressed concern over the passage of tractors, agricultural machinery, school buses and other heavy vehicles.Acting on the representation, Bhatia wrote to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on June 3, urging the ministry to consider constructing an ROB alongside the RUB in view of the area’s long-term transport needs. He said the project would benefit farmers, students, traders and commuters.In a reply on Thursday, the Railway Minister informed Bhatia that the proposal had been taken up for consideration and that a technical assessment of the proposed ROB at Samalkha-Narayana level crossing No. 43 was under way. The ministry said a decision would be taken after the assessment was completed, in accordance with established procedures.
