Chandigarh to Deposit Rs 64 mn for Baltana Underbridge

02 Mar 2026 CW Team

The construction of the road underbridge at the Raipur Kalan–Harmilap Nagar level crossing in Baltana is set to proceed after the Chandigarh Administration decided to deposit Rs 64 million (Rs 64 mn) with the Railways. The Governor and UT Administrator gave approval for the payment as the administration's fifty per cent share of the project cost. The UT Chief Secretary confirmed that the funds will be transferred to the Railway authorities.

The Northern Railway had invited electronic bids for the structure using a normal pushing technique that permits train operations to continue on the line, and the bids have been opened. Work on the underbridge could not start until the funds were transferred, and officials have said the allotment of the contract will trigger mobilisation. The contract requires completion within 12 months of award.

A large number of residents of Raipur Kalan village, Mauli Jagran and Vikas Nagar in Chandigarh, and of Baltana, Zirakpur and Dhakoli in Mohali district, as well as Panchkula, rely on this level crossing for daily travel. The underbridge is expected to provide respite from long traffic jams during rush hour in the morning and evening and to improve connectivity for commuters and emergency services. Local traffic flow is likely to be smoother once construction begins and temporary arrangements are put in place.

The deposit should allow the rail authorities to finalise arrangements and commence work, offering relief to motorists and pedestrians who have faced repeated delays at the crossing. Officials noted that coordinated work while trains run will reduce overall disruption and that progress will be monitored until the project is completed. The administration indicated that transferring the funds fulfils a key precondition for the timely realisation of the underbridge.

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