Railway doubling work in Banda has reached a critical stage, leading to major traffic adjustments for the city residents. The Kyotra Underpass has been temporarily closed for approximately 45 days to allow for widening and structural upgrades. This decision comes as part of the broader Jhansi-Manikpur rail section project aimed at improving connectivity and train frequency in the region.
How will the underpass closure impact daily commuters?
With the underpass blocked by barricades, a large section of the city is facing connectivity issues. Residents now have to travel an extra two kilometers by using the Kacheri Over Bridge or Sankat Mochan Over Bridge. While the railway administration had initially planned the closure from April to mid-May, the physical barricading began around April 7, 2026. Local authorities have advised people not to cross the tracks on foot, as it poses a serious safety risk during the ongoing construction work.
Progress of the Jhansi-Manikpur doubling project
The doubling of the Jhansi-Manikpur-Prayagraj corridor is a major infrastructure project with an estimated cost of over 4900 crore rupees. Key updates on the project include:
- The Banda-Dingwahi-Khurhand section is already authorized for commercial train operations.
- Soil work for the new rail line is almost complete across several stretches.
- A new bridge is being constructed parallel to the old one over the Ken river, where the pillars are now ready.
- The Kyotra Underpass widening is essential to accommodate the additional tracks.