Aman Arora Opens Underpass Informally, Northern Railway Objects

The informal inauguration of a newly constructed railway underbridge near Sunam bus stand has sparked controversy after objections were raised by Northern Railway authorities. The underpass was opened by Aman Arora, state president of the Aam Aadmi Party and a cabinet minister, who, along with local residents, removed iron barricades from the entry point. Following this, vehicular movement on the route was also initiated. However, railway officials have strongly objected to the move, stating that the underbridge should remain closed until the construction is fully completed and all mandatory safety clearances are obtained. The authorities communicated their concerns to the local administration, emphasizing that opening the structure prematurely could pose risks. The project, developed at a cost of approximately ₹9 crore with joint funding from the Central and Punjab governments, was dedicated to the residents of Sunam on the occasion of Navratri. The underpass connects Indira Basti with the main city, fulfilling a long-pending demand of local residents who earlier had to face significant delays at the railway crossing. Aman Arora described the underpass as a major राहत for daily commuters, stating that it would help people avoid long waiting hours at the closed railway gate. On the other hand, Northern Railway officials reiterated that the underbridge is still incomplete and lacks final safety approvals. In a letter addressed to the SDM of Sunam Udham Singh Wala, they highlighted that several critical works are yet to be finished and the underpass should not be opened until formal inspection and commissioning are completed. The issue has led to a disagreement between authorities, even as local residents have started using the facility.