Barabanki Villagers Protest Railway Underpass, Demand Overbridge
Residents of Ashokpur village in the Ramnagar area of Barabanki have officially voiced their strong opposition to a proposed railway underpass near their local crossing. During a community meeting held at the Ashokpur Gram Panchayat on Sunday, villagers expressed that the planned construction would create more problems for daily commuters rather than solving them.
Fears of Severe Waterlogging
The primary concern driving this protest is the local geography. The area near Ashokpur village sits at a low elevation and is located close to a large lake. Because of this, the region already struggles with significant waterlogging during the monsoon season.
Residents pointed out that if an underpass is constructed, it will act as a trap for rainwater. They fear that the structure will become permanently submerged during heavy rains, making it completely impassable for pedestrians and vehicles alike.
Impact on 50,000 Daily Commuters
The proposed site is a vital artery for the local population. Approximately 50,000 people from Ashokpur and surrounding villages rely on this specific railway crossing for their daily travel. Any disruption caused by flooding in an underpass would paralyze movement for thousands of residents.
To avoid these issues, the community is collectively demanding that the administration construct an overbridge at the site instead of an underpass. An overbridge would ensure a dry and reliable route for commuters, regardless of the weather conditions.
Community Leaders Take a Stand
The meeting saw active participation from local leaders and representatives of various organizations, including:
- Shiv Devi Verma, Gram Pradhan
- Bhaskar Yadav of the Bharatiya Samaj Seva Sangh
- Ram Kumar Lodhi, National President of the Yuva Ekta Manch
Gram Pradhan Shiv Devi Verma stated that the Gram Panchayat intends to formally write to the relevant authorities to present this request. However, the villagers have also issued a stern warning: if their demand for an overbridge is not met, they are prepared to launch a formal protest to protect their interests.