Omnagar-Chamanpura Underpass May Miss September 30 Deadline Amid Slow Work, Waterlogging

Construction of the Limited Height Subway (LHS) at Level Crossing No. 3 between Omnagar and Chamanpura on the Asarva-Himmatnagar railway section is facing questions over its September 30, 2026, completion deadline, with work progressing slowly and rainwater accumulating at the site.

The ₹19-crore underpass is expected to ease traffic problems for residents in the area. However, the pace of construction and waterlogging following recent heavy rains have raised doubts over whether the project will be completed within the scheduled timeframe.

Railway Minister Sets Pre-Navratri Deadline

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, during his visit to Ahmedabad in July, had directed that the underpass be completed before the upcoming Navratri festival, with October 11 set as the broader deadline.

The project is expected to provide relief to residents and motorists currently facing difficulties in the area.

DRM Inspects Site, Orders Faster Work

Western Railway’s Ahmedabad Division Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Ved Prakash recently inspected the project site and reviewed its progress.

He instructed officials to complete the work by September 30 while maintaining quality standards. He also directed authorities to expedite the construction of drainage and side roads on a war footing to reduce the difficulties faced by residents of nearby housing societies.

Despite the instructions, the progress on the remaining work has led to concerns over whether the September-end target can be achieved.

Box Pushing Work Completed

The LHS is being constructed at an estimated cost of ₹19 crore. The underpass will be 265 metres long and 8.5 metres wide.

The box-pushing work, under which the structure was installed beneath the railway tracks, has been completed.

Work on the approach road is currently underway. At the same time, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) is carrying out the shifting of sewerage lines, while Torrent Power is working on shifting electric cables.

Waterlogging Adds To Residents’ Problems

Recent heavy rains have added to the difficulties faced by residents, with water accumulating in and around the underpass area.

Locals have raised concerns over the slow pace of work and a lack of coordination between the agencies involved in the project.

With drainage, approach roads and utility shifting still requiring work, questions remain over whether the Railways and other authorities will be able to meet the September 30 target and complete the project before Navratri.