Indian Railways has officially opened the Jalalipura Underpass in Varanasi for general traffic. Located near the Kazzakpura Rail Overbridge, this new infrastructure project aims to resolve long-standing traffic issues at railway crossing number 24. The double-lane underpass was completed at a cost of 20 crore rupees and is now facilitating the movement of vehicles, providing a major sigh of relief to thousands of commuters who previously faced heavy congestion in the area.
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Key features and technical details of the underpass
The construction of this underpass was managed by the North Eastern Railway (Varanasi Division) using advanced box pushing technology. This method allowed the work to progress without significantly disrupting the heavy rail traffic on this route. Below are the specific details of the project:
- Total Cost: Approximately 20 crore rupees
- Length: 270 meters long structure
- Width: 38 feet wide double-lane path
- Lane Dimensions: Each lane is roughly 18 feet wide
- Special Measures: Dedicated drainage systems installed to prevent waterlogging during the monsoon season
Major impact on local residents and train operations
The opening of the Jalalipura Underpass is a significant development for both the local community and the railway network. Public Relations Officer Ashok Kumar confirmed that these new underpasses near Varanasi City station are designed to make public movement easier and eliminate traffic bottlenecks. The project is expected to benefit around five lakh residents from various localities including:
| Area Name | Impact Type |
|---|---|
| Jalalipura & Chungi | Direct road connectivity |
| Madia & Amarpur Batlohiya | Reduced travel time |
| Saraiya & Shakkartalab | End of crossing delays |
| Railway Operations | Smooth movement of 100+ trains daily |
By eliminating the need for a manned level crossing at number 24, the railway can now operate more than 100 trains per day with fewer delays. This integration of road and rail infrastructure ensures that local residents in areas like Panchkoshi, Navapura, and Shellputri no longer have to wait at closed gates for extended periods.