In a major development, residents of Urban Estate Phase 1 and Phase 2 in Jalandhar on Monday staged a major protest against the sudden closure of two railway crossings (faatak). As per the residents, the Indian Railway authorities have closed the gates, citing construction work for the Subhana underpass, located over 2 kilometers away. However, protesters stated that the underpass is inaccessible for thousands of daily commuters including pedestrians, cyclists, rickshaw pullers, senior citizens, schoolchildren, and even funeral processions.
The sudden closure of the two key railway crossings, carried out without any public consultation, prior notice, or alternative arrangements. This has left the two phases of Urban Estate effectively cut off from each other.
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.
Why the Urban Estate Residents are protesting against the closure?
In an official release, the residents of the area have pointed key reasons why the two railway crossings should not be closed-
- 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
Now, the residents are demanding for immediate reopening of the C-7 Railway Crossing.