The existing Railway foot-over bridge at Utorda village was demolished by RVNL in the month of February 2024 due to double tracking works. The RVNL initiated the demolition exercise of the existing foot-over bridge without first constructing a two-wheeler flyover at Km 93.150 (SWR) till date as promised in their joint site inspection report dated 11 August 2021.
The former railway foot-over bridge was crucial for school-going children. At present, school-going children are forced to cross the triple track lines and at level crossing no. 43 at Utorda with great danger to their lives. The level crossing no. 43 at Utorda closes at every 3 to 4-minute interval making it almost impossible to cross these tracks.
RVNL is in total breach. They should have taken on top most priority to construct the two-wheeler flyover at Utorda as it was in lieu of demolished foot-over bridge. RVNL shall be fully responsible for any loss of life due to ongoing continuing delays in constructing the two-wheeler flyover at Utorda.
Until RVNL doesn’t complete the proposed two-wheeler flyover at Utorda, the railway authorities should consider regulating the train timings in the morning and afternoon hours. No trains should be allowed to pass these lines (SWR & KRCL) between 7.30 am and 8.15 am and from 1.30 pm to 2.15 pm as these timings are crucial hours for school-going children.