In a major development, almost 25,000 people to get relief in connectivity as Urban Estate Railway Crossing (Urban Estate Railway Faatak) is set to reopen. As per reports, railway authorities have issued orders to reopen Urban Estate C7 Railway Crossing.
Reports suggest that the decision will benefit more than 25,000 people from over 10 colonies, including those residing in Urban Estate Phase 1 and 2.
Urban Estate railway gate will be reopened after reinstalling all necessary equipment and deploying permanent staff. This comes as a huge relief for the daily struggles of local residents, especially schoolchildren, office-goers, traders, and emergency services that were forced to take long detours due to the closure.
Residents argued that with schools, hospitals, and markets located nearby, reopening the gate was urgently required. Authorities have assured that an underpass plan is being considered to provide a lasting solution at the same spot.
While the reopening of Gate C-7 brings relief, the nearby Punjab Avenue Gate (C-8) will remain closed for now. The railways had earlier decided to shut down multiple level crossings on this line due to safety concerns and increasing train traffic. However, after repeated demands, C7 has been given priority for reopening.
For the unversed, when the Urban Estate Railway Fatak was shut down, it had triggered protests.
During the protests, the residents had demanded for immediate reopening of the C-7 Railway Crossing. Residents in an official release 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."
