NHAI to eliminate all level crossings on NH corridors

NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH) along with National Highways Authority of India will replace all level crossings on National Highway corridors with road overbridges/underbridges in the next five years at their own cost, Rajya Sabha was informed today.

As per an MoU signed between Railways and MORTH on November 10, 2014, MORTH/NHAI will replace all level crossings on NH Corridors with road overbridges (ROBs)/underbridges (RUBs) in next five years at their own cost subject to availability of funds, MoS for Railways Rajen Gohain said in a written reply.

In 2015-16, 10 ROBs and in 2016-17 so far, nine ROBs across level crossings on NH have been constructed by NHAI at its own cost. Out of these 19 locations, eight of level crossing have been closed, he said.

As far as progress of construction of ROBs under this scheme is concerned, Railways is responsible only for approval of the General Arrangement Drawings (GADs) as far as possible in the 60 days of final submission by MORTH/NHAI officials. The construction of ROB on single entity basis is undertaken by MORTH/NHAI.

Railways has developed and launched web-based application for speedy approval of GADs of ROBs/RUBs. (AGENCIES)