When should a housing society in Mumbai start considering re...
From GST on JDAs to SEBI’s REIT reclassification and the S...
Stay ahead in the world of real estate with our daily podcas...
Stay ahead in the world of real estate with our daily podcas...
The Baltana railway underpass project at Raipur Kalan-Harmilap Nagar level crossing (RUB-123) has reached the final stage of land acquisition, moving closer to construction. Notifications under Sections 19 and 20 of the 2013 Land Acquisition Act have been issued, completing the last legal requirement. The Ambala railway division has requested Chandigarh to pay its 50 % share of the INR 12.81 crore project cost to start tendering. Local leaders and community groups have actively followed up with officials to ensure funding is released promptly and construction begins without delays.
The plan to construct a railway underpass at the Raipur Kalan-Harmilap Nagar level crossing (RUB-123) in Baltana has progressed into its final stage of land acquisition, marking a critical milestone for residents and commuters who have long faced traffic congestion and safety concerns. Land acquisition notifications have been issued under Sections 19 and 20 of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, completing the legal process required before construction can begin.
The project has seen sustained advocacy from local representatives, including MP Satnam Singh Sandhu, councillor Anil Dubey, and the Railway Crossing Removal and Underpass Construction Struggle Committee (RUB-123). Committee spokesperson Gurbinder Singh Sandhu noted that their continuous engagement with officials has ensured that the project remains on track and that work can commence quickly once financial approvals are in place.
Recently, the Ambala railway division officially requested the Chandigarh administration to deposit its 50 % share of the construction cost, estimated at INR 12.81 crore. Railway authorities stated that the tendering process for the underpass can begin only after the UT releases its portion of funds. The committee and local leaders are actively following up with officials to avoid delays at this stage.
Chandigarh has recently regained powers to approve development projects costing up to INR 100 crore locally, which previously required clearance from the Union Home Ministry. This enhanced authority is expected to streamline budget approvals, allowing timely allocation of funds and faster project execution. Officials believe this could significantly shorten administrative delays, supporting the swift start of construction once the UT shares its contribution.
The underpass is designed to ease heavy traffic and improve safety at this busy rail crossing. Local authorities and community groups continue to monitor the project closely, highlighting the importance of prompt financial commitment and procedural follow-ups to ensure that the long-awaited infrastructure upgrade is delivered effectively.
FAQ
Q1. What is the current status of the RUB-123 railway underpass project?
The construction of the railway underpass at the Raipur Kalan–Harmilap Nagar level crossing in Baltana has reached the final stage of land acquisition. Notifications under Sections 19 and 20 of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, have been issued, completing the legal requirements needed before construction can begin.
Q2. Who has been advocating for the project?
The project has received sustained support from local representatives, including MP Satnam Singh Sandhu, councillor Anil Dubey, and the Railway Crossing Removal and Underpass Construction Struggle Committee (RUB-123). Committee spokesperson Gurbinder Singh Sandhu noted that continuous engagement with officials has kept the project on track and ensured readiness to start construction once funding is secured.
Q3. What is the funding situation for the underpass?
The Ambala railway division has requested the Chandigarh administration to deposit its 50% share of the construction cost, which is estimated at INR 12.81 crore. The tendering process for construction can only begin after the UT releases its portion of the funds. Local leaders and the committee are actively following up to prevent delays.
Q4. How will Chandigarh’s administrative powers affect the project?
Chandigarh has regained authority to approve development projects costing up to INR 100 crore without Union Home Ministry clearance. This enhanced power is expected to streamline budget approvals, allowing the timely release of funds and quicker commencement of the underpass construction.
Q5. What benefits will the underpass provide to the local community?
The RUB-123 underpass is designed to ease traffic congestion and improve safety at the busy Raipur Kalan–Harmilap Nagar rail crossing. Once completed, it will provide a direct route for commuters and reduce delays caused by train stoppages, significantly improving travel convenience and road safety in the area.
Q6. What are the next steps before construction starts?
The key next steps include the UT of Chandigarh depositing its share of funds and the railways completing the tendering process. Officials and community stakeholders are closely monitoring the situation to ensure prompt execution once financial and procedural requirements are met.
5th Jun, 2025
25th May, 2023
11th May, 2023
27th Apr, 2023