Amritsar: Few takers for foot overbridge outside city railway station

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, September 1

The foot overbridge outside the city railway station has been lying unused with passengers preferring to jump dividers and risking their lives to cross the road. The bridge, intended for safe crossing, lies neglected, besides turning into a garbage dump.

Despite the presence of a police check-post, thousands of commuters entering or exiting the station daily ignore the foot overbridge and cross the road by jumping dividers, causing traffic congestion and posing a risk to their own and others’ lives.

The road divider, initially three feet high with an additional three feet of iron grill, has been vandalized with the grill removed and the concrete structure demolished. Now, commuters without caring for their safety cross the road.

“It’s disheartening to see people ignoring the foot overbridge and risking their lives. They should be held accountable for damaging public property,” said Janak Raj, a local shopkeeper.

Shopkeepers near the place complained that heavy traffic jams are witnessed outside the railway station as auto rickshaws and passengers crossing the road lead to slowing down of traffic. They demanded that passengers should be motivated to use the foot overbridge as it is safe and would help solve the problem of traffic congestion.

Years have passed since the bridge was installed at the place. With few passengers using it, it has now become a shelter for beggars and homeless. The bridge can easily provide a safe entry and exit to and from the railway station premises.

Residents also demand action against those responsible for damaging public property.