VM Singh, national convener of the Rashtriya Kisan Majdoor Sangthan (RKMS), raised concerns about the deteriorating condition of railway bridges and culverts with Ravneet Singh, Minister of State for Railways, on Wednesday. Singh pointed out that while century-old British-era bridges withstand floods, newly reconstructed tracks are frequently washed away.

In a letter presented to the minister, Singh highlighted the recent washing away of a culvert between Shahgarh and Sandai stations on the Pilibhit-Lucknow line, which had been converted to broad gauge earlier this year. He also mentioned a damaged 200-meter section of hanging track between Ataria and Bhira on the Mailani-Nanpara line in Kheri district, rebuilt in 2021 but already compromised.

Singh called for an inquiry, labelling the damage as a national loss. Additionally, he urged the minister to intervene in relocating a coal depot from Bisalpur railway station in Pilibhit district, citing it as a major source of air pollution.

Singh shared that the Pilibhit-Lucknow track conversion, spanning 250 km and costing Rs 6.72 billion, had its final section completed in March-April. However, a culvert on the line was washed away by Sharda River floods just three months later. The railway minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, had virtually inaugurated the track on September 1 after repairs.

Singh also reminded the minister of ongoing protests led by RKMS and other groups, including one by Ram Saran Verma, father of BJP MLA Vivek Verma, demanding the relocation of the coal depot due to the severe health risks caused by coal dust in Bisalpur. (ET)