Indian Railways started a nationwide initiative to stop accidents that happen while people cross railway tracks. The Railway Ministry decided to build rail subways and underpasses in just 12 hours of traffic block. This project focuses on Bihar and other states where residents cross tracks for daily activities like going to schools, markets, or farms. Rail Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw instructed officials to implement this plan in a mission mode to solve the problem within the next 5 to 6 years.
How will the 12-hour construction process work?
The construction process uses a rapid installation technique to avoid long delays for passengers. The railway structures are first prepared in a casting yard and then brought to the site. Once the structure is ready, officials take a traffic block of 12 hours to insert the subway under the tracks. This ensures that train services are not disturbed for long periods. Chief Public Relations Officer of Hajipur Railway Zone, Saraswati Chandra, confirmed that these subways will be user-friendly for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists.
Key features and safety measures for new subways
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Target Completion | Next 5 to 6 years nationwide |
| Bihar Focus Areas | Ara Junction and sensitive zones in Hajipur |
| Design Priority | Prevention of waterlogging during monsoon |
| Estimated Cost | Approx 6 to 8 crore per project |
| Primary Goal | Safe passage for pedestrians and local villagers |
| Collaboration | Railway and Local Administration will identify spots |