The construction of the long-awaited Pohri railway overbridge (ROB) has hit another roadblock, leaving local residents and daily commuters to deal with persistent traffic congestion and hazardous road conditions. Despite initial hopes following the commencement of work in July 2024, the project is now expected to take another one to two years to reach completion, extending a timeline that has already stretched over three years of sluggish progress.
Key updates on the Pohri ROB project include:
- Project work remains incomplete after three years of slow development.
- Current official estimates suggest an additional 12 to 24 months for final completion.
- A structural collapse in June 2025 resulted in injuries to six laborers, triggering a technical investigation.
- Commuters are facing severe difficulties due to poorly maintained, waterlogged, and pothole-ridden diverted routes.
Setbacks and Safety Concerns
Subham Construction, the firm tasked with executing the project, has faced intense scrutiny following the June 2025 bridge collapse. This incident not only caused injuries to six workers but also raised serious questions regarding the quality of materials and safety protocols being followed at the site. Local representatives, including Ward 7 Councilor Arvind Thakur, have openly criticized both the Public Works Department and the local administration for the lack of oversight and the deteriorating state of the temporary transit infrastructure.
Commitment to Infrastructure
While the delay in Pohri is a point of contention, Indian Railways continues to emphasize that the sanctioning of Road over Bridges remains a top priority for enhancing safety and mobility across the national network. According to official PIB data, these projects are vital for eliminating level crossing hazards and improving traffic flow. However, for the people of Pohri, the promise of future safety does not mitigate the immediate, daily struggle of navigating dangerous diversion roads. Residents are now urgently calling for the administration to conduct immediate repairs on these temporary routes to ensure safe passage until the main overbridge is fully operational. As the investigation into the collapse continues, the community remains hopeful for a faster resolution to this critical infrastructure project.