Bareilly Bilpur Crossing Repair Delayed by 15 Days
Repair work at Bareilly's Bilpur railway crossing is delayed, causing massive traffic issues and safety concerns for local commuters.
Commuters in Bareilly are facing a massive headache as the repair work at the Bilpur railway crossing (Crossing number 344C) on Dataganj Road has hit a major snag. What was supposed to be a quick maintenance project has now dragged on for 15 days, leaving the Fatehganj Purvi area in significant distress.
A Timeline of Delays and Deadlines
The maintenance work, overseen by the railway department and PWI Zaid Raza, was originally scheduled to see the crossing closed from October 13 to October 19. However, the restricted access was extended from October 20 to October 27. As of October 27, 2026, the work remains unfinished.
In response to the ongoing delays, officials have extended the closure until October 30, 2026, though engineers are now targeting a completion date of October 29 to minimize further disruption.
Festive Season Chaos for Residents and Traders
The timing of this delay could not be worse. With the festive season in full swing, the prolonged closure has caused significant disruptions for local residents, daily commuters, and traders who rely on this route. The slow pace of maintenance has drawn sharp criticism from local stakeholders regarding the railway department's operations.
The Struggle with Alternative Routes
To bypass the closed crossing, travelers have been advised to use alternative paths, but these options are far from ideal:
- Crossing number 345: An alternative route that is currently under heavy pressure.
- Nibadiya-Bilpur Chak Marg: A route heavily hampered by severe potholes and waterlogging near the Bahgul river.
These difficult conditions are forcing commuters to travel an additional 5 to 6 kilometers, adding significant time and fuel costs to their daily journeys.
Serious Safety Concerns Arise
Beyond the logistical inconvenience, the situation at the site has raised alarming safety issues. Reports indicate that the prolonged construction has created several hazards:
- School children are frequently seen crossing the tracks at great risk to avoid the long detours.
- Abandoned railway sleepers left near the tracks pose a potential injury hazard to pedestrians and commuters.
With nearby flyover construction also ongoing, the combination of multiple projects and delayed maintenance is creating a perfect storm of logistical and safety challenges for the Bareilly community.