Among the upscale areas of Jalandhar, Urban Estate Phase 1 and Urban Estate Phase 2 have been connected via a railway underpass. Rainways authorities have been constructing a railway underpass connecting Urban Estate Phase I and Phase II for the past many months, and now it has become operational. The underpass has been constructed to ensure smooth traffic, uninterrupted vehicular movement, and shorter commute times. Since the underpass is now available for public use, the Indian Railways has blocked or let's say abruptly closed two key railway crossings that used to connect Urban Estate Phase 1 and Phase 2.
As a result, a few days back, residents staged a protest against the administration and demanded the reopening of the key railway crossings. To be precise, the residents are demanding for immediate reopening of the C-7 Railway Crossing. Residents in an official release have pointed out below mentioned problems that will impact them due to closure of Railway Crossing-
- Massive daily traffic chaos and public harassment
- Schools paralyzed – over 15 schools affected
- Ambulances, funeral processions blocked risking lives and religious sentiments
- Shops and local businesses collapsing
- Property prices falling, livelihoods endangered
One of the residents was quoted as saying, "It feels like the city has been split in two — like a border has been drawn. People can no longer cross the railway line safely by foot, cycle, or vehicle."
Over 15 residents from Phases 1 and 2 reported that the Cool Road railway crossing is now under immense pressure due to the diverted traffic. Massive traffic jams spanning several kilometers have become a daily ordeal.
One of the major schools in the area is Mayor World School. Mayor World School, in an official release, notified parents and students to take the underpass routes. In the release, it also informed that the Municipal Corporation and Railway Authorities have confirmed that the existing railway crossing is being permanently closed as the new underpass is now open for public use.