Excelsior Correspondent
DORAHA (Punjab), Feb 17: The construction of a four-lane Railway over Bridge (RoB) at Level Crossing No 164AB in Doraha will significantly strengthen connectivity to key pilgrimage and tourist destinations, including Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, Srinagar, Jammu and Shimla, thereby boosting tourism and regional development.
This was stated by the Union Minister of State for Railways and Food Processing Industries Ravneet Singh Bittu.
The Minister was addressing the media after laying the foundation stone of the much-awaited project.
He informed that the RoB, estimated to cost Rs 70.55 crore, is expected to be completed within a year.
Bittu also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for approving the construction of the third and fourth railway lines between Delhi and Ambala.
He said the project is part of a broader plan to quadruple the heavily utilized Delhi–Jammu corridor, a vital route connecting the National Capital Region with northern states. The Delhi–Ambala section, one of the busiest in the country, handles significant passenger and freight traffic.
The addition of the third and fourth lines, covering 194 km at an estimated cost of Rs 5,983 crore, will enhance capacity, improve operational efficiency and reduce congestion.
The project is slated for completion within four years and will pass through districts including Sonipat, Panipat, Karnal, Kurukshetra and Ambala in Haryana, along with parts of Delhi.
Highlighting the benefits, Bittu said the new RoB will ease daily commuting and accelerate economic activity by ensuring smooth movement of goods and services.
He added that work will now proceed on a war footing and the bridge will be opened to the public at the earliest, providing long-awaited relief to commuters who have faced inconvenience at the level crossing for nearly 12 years.
Among others present on the occasion were Divisional Railway Manager Ambala Vinod Bhatia, Chief Engineer (Road Safety Project) Rajiv Ranjan Raju and other senior officials.
The post Doraha RoB to boost connectivity, tourism to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi: Ravneet Bittu appeared first on Daily Excelsior.