Baltana RUB project to begin by May-end as UT releases funds

Due to prolonged delays owing to land acquisition and other pending approvals, the total cost has now ballooned to ₹12.81 crore, out of which UT has to bear ₹6.4 crore — its 50% share

Work on the much-awaited road underbridge (RUB) at the busy Raipur Kalan-Harmilap Nagar level crossing in Baltana is finally set to begin by May-end as the UT administration has released its share of the project cost to the Railways.

Officials said the RUB will be built using the “normal pushing” technique. (HT File)

The RUB, conceptualised in 2019, is to replace the existing level crossing – a major choke point during rush hours – and ease commuting for those travelling between Raipur Kalan, Mauli Jagran, Vikas Nagar, Baltana, Zirakpur, Dhakoli and Panchkula.

When the project first got clearance in 2021-22, its estimated cost was ₹7.99 crore, to be borne by the Railways and UT equally. However, due to prolonged delays owing to land acquisition and other pending approvals, the total cost has now ballooned to ₹12.81 crore, out of which UT has to bear ₹6.4 crore — its 50% share.

With the payment now complete, officials said the bidding process will resume shortly, and the project is likely to be awarded within weeks. Once construction begins, it is expected to be completed within a year. Officials said the RUB will be built using the “normal pushing” technique, which allows train operations to continue uninterrupted during construction.