Ghaziabad: The Madhuban Bapudham rail overbridge described as GDA’s most delayed project, might miss its June 2026 deadline. Officials said that the approach road connecting the overbridge is nearing completion, but work may not be finished until the end of this year.A GDA official said that the development authority had recently reviewed the work. While the UP Bridge Corporation is developing the approach road on both sides of the overbridge, work on the main overbridge part is being executed by the railways and may not be completed by the end of the year. The approach road, on the other hand, is set to be ready by June. “A railway official said the section is a busy stretch which sees the passing of a high volume of trains, and there is very little window to carry out the work,” the official said. Work on the rail overbridge began in 2017, and officials had initially set a target to complete work in two years. Around nine years since work began, the project still stands delayed.It has faced several delays due to a paucity of funds, clearances, and a lack of consensus between the railways and UP Bridge Corporation. Delays have also led to a cost escalation of more than 20%. While the railways initially estimated Rs 26 crore for the project, it has since increased to over Rs 34 crore. The cost of the approach road also went up by Rs 53 crore.The 45m-wide and 600m-long overbridge will connect not only Madhuban Bapudham but will also benefit Govindpuram, Swarnjyantipuram, Rahispur, and Harsaon areas. It will offer much-needed connectivity to the Madhuban Bapudham housing scheme on one side and with Meerut Road and Hapur on the other side.Currently, residents of Madhuban Bapudham must take a detour of about 14 km to reach Delhi and Meerut. With improved connectivity, GDA’s Madhuban Bapudham housing scheme – spread over 1,234 acres with 11,680 flats – will find more buyers, officials said.
