Modinagar rail overbridge remains unfinished at busy railway crossing

At Modinagar’s railway crossing on the Ghaziabad-Saharanpur line, commuters can wait up to 30 minutes for trains to pass while a four-lane overbridge meant to bypass the bottleneck remains unfinished.

The 640-metre project was sanctioned at a cost of ₹48 crore and was planned for completion within two years. It is intended to connect Modinagar with Hapur Road across the railway crossing, easing traffic on a route used by people travelling between Ghaziabad, Hapur and Modinagar. Residents estimate that around one lakh people are affected, and more than 55 shops operate around the crossing.

Amit Garg, a resident, said construction has progressed in fits and starts despite a long-standing demand for the bridge. Another resident, Anil Singh, said uneven roads near the incomplete work have led to e-rickshaws overturning. He also said some two-wheeler riders cross the tracks to avoid delays and that around 50 trains use the crossing during the day.

UP State Bridge Corporation Ltd said land acquisition and railway-work permissions have delayed the project. Pillars have been installed, but work above the tracks can take place only during windows approved by Indian Railways on the busy corridor. The corporation said it aims to complete the bridge next year.