Construction work on the much-awaited railway underpass at the Harmilap Nagar railway crossing in Baltana, Mohali, is moving forward at an accelerated pace. Recent progress includes the commencement of digging for the approach road, which will streamline the delivery of construction materials to the site. Once completed, this infrastructure project is set to provide major relief to over 50,000 residents, significantly easing traffic congestion and improving connectivity between Chandigarh, Panchkula, and Baltana.
- Project Location: Harmilap Nagar railway crossing (Level Crossing No. 123) on the Ambala-Chandigarh rail section.
- Total Estimated Cost: Revised to approximately ₹12.80 crore from the original ₹7.99 crore.
- Funding Model: A 50:50 cost-sharing arrangement between Indian Railways and the Chandigarh Administration.
- Land Acquisition: The UT Administration successfully acquired 0.75 acres of land in June 2026 for ₹4.96 crore.
- Key Stakeholders: Foundation stone laid by Punjab Governor Shri Gulab Chand Kataria and Union MoS for Railways Shri Ravneet Singh Bittu.
Project Background and Funding
The foundation stone for this Road Under Bridge (RUB) was officially laid on May 20, 2026. While the project was initially greenlit in the 2021-22 fiscal year, it faced initial hurdles due to land acquisition complexities and procedural delays. However, momentum shifted positively in March 2026, when the Chandigarh Administration deposited its ₹6.40 crore share of the project cost. With the subsequent acquisition of land in June 2026, the path was cleared for the current construction phase.
Enhancing Local Connectivity
Union Minister of State for Railways, Shri Ravneet Singh Bittu, highlighted that this development is part of a broader strategy to improve safety and transit efficiency. The project aligns with the Indian Railways policy of constructing ‘Low Height Subways’, designed to ensure smoother traffic flow while maintaining local accessibility. The project’s progress is also a victory for the Joint Action Committee for Baltana Residents and local advocates who have been instrumental in pushing for this infrastructure upgrade.
Railway officials remain optimistic that the construction will be completed ahead of the original schedule, providing a long-term solution to the persistent traffic bottlenecks that have plagued the area for years.