A group of residents and business owners from Vaccine Depot Road, Tilakwadi have formally submitted a letter to the Deputy Commissioner (DC), objecting to the proposed Railway Over Bridge (RoB) at the Second Railway Gate. Led by local businessman Amit Patil, the petitioners have expressed concerns over the project’s impact on businesses, private properties, and overall urban planning.
The letter highlights that the planned four RoBs (at First, Second, Third, and Fourth Railway Gates) are within a mere 2 km radius, all aligned on a single stretch, which could create severe congestion and accessibility issues. The signatories strongly criticized the authorities for failing to consult residents before sanctioning the project.
“We are not against development, but past experiences with RoBs in the city have shown that they can devastate businesses and disturb residential areas if not planned correctly,” stated Amit Patil, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive survey and public consultation before proceeding.
Alternative Plan Proposed
While objecting to the current RoB plan, the petitioners have suggested an alternative design that would ensure smoother traffic flow while minimizing disruptions. Their proposal includes:
A bridge starting near Herwadkar School and extending to Congress Road with twin bifurcations.
Traffic from First to Second Gate and Angol to flow directly toward Anagol Naka.
Vehicles from Anagol Naka or R.P.D. College Circle to turn left toward Third Gate or take a U-turn near Paratha Corner on Congress Road.
This alternative approach, according to residents, would reduce congestion, protect existing commercial establishments, and provide better traffic management compared to the standard RoB design that Railways typically implements.
Call for Proper Urban Planning
The letter further urges the DC to conduct a joint survey involving the Railways and relevant civic authorities to assess the feasibility of the RoB before granting approvals. Citing the negative impact of the Kapileshwar and Third Gate RoBs on local businesses, the residents stressed that the Second Gate RoB could lead to a similar decline in commercial activity if not planned carefully.
Additionally, the letter includes a Right to Information (RTI) request, demanding clarity on whether due processes were followed in approving the project.
Residents hope the authorities will consider their objections and recommendations before finalizing the construction plans, ensuring that urban development is executed with foresight and inclusivity.
Whatever plan gets finalized with consent of residents n govt, first govt hv to clarify within what time period d project will complete as it shd not b like other overrides that were constructed.