NHAI to eliminate all level crossings on NH corridors

MORTH and NHAI will replace all level crossings on NH corridors with road overbridges and underbridges in next 5 years

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 on Friday.

According to 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 5 years at their own cost subject to availability of funds, MoS for Railways Rajesh 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 the 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 have developed and launched the web-based application for speedy approval of GADs of ROBs/RUBs.

As on November 16 this year out of total 319 GADs, 166 GADs approved by Railways and 126 GADs are under examination with MORTH/NHAI and balance 27 GADs are under examination with Railways.