Surat, March 2
Surat commuters in Gujarat have received an infrastructural boost with the inauguration of a Rs 54-crore, 502-metre-long railway underpass bridge connecting Limbayat and Dindoli.
The longest railway underpass in the state, built jointly by the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) and the Gujarat government's Urban Development Department, was officially opened to the public by the BJP State President and Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil on Sunday.
The state-of-the-art underpass aims to eliminate frequent traffic jams and accidents at the railway crossing, providing faster and safer connectivity for thousands of daily commuters.
Equipped with a Rs 1.5 crore HVAC system, it ensures clean air circulation by removing vehicle emissions. The project also includes fire safety measures, further enhancing security for motorists.
Previously, commuters had to take a 2-3 km detour to avoid the railway crossing. With seven railway lines passing through the area, this underpass significantly reduces congestion and enhances road safety.
Speaking at the inauguration, Minister C.R. Patil described the project as a game-changer for Surat's transport network, thanking local authorities for their efforts. "This bridge is a much-needed solution, saving time and ensuring a hassle-free commute for the people of Surat," he said.
In a post on his X handle, Minister Patil wrote in Gujarati (loosely translated as), "Today, I felt a great sense of joy while paving the underpass connecting Limbayat and Dindoli in the Limbayat Assembly. This underpass is the first underpass in the state, which is equipped with a complete weatherproof system. When this underpass is opened, approximately 60,000 motorists will get relief from traffic every day..."
The state has an extensive road network of over 1.68 lakh kilometers, including 49 national highways spanning 6,572 km and well-maintained state highways that ensure seamless connectivity. It also has a robust railway network of around 5,300 km, facilitating the movement of goods and passengers.
Gujarat is home to 49 ports, including major ones like Kandla, Mundra, and Pipavav, which handle a significant share of India's maritime trade. Mundra Port, in particular, is the largest commercial port in India.
Its industrial infrastructure is robust, with Special Economic Zones (SEZs), industrial clusters, and dedicated investment regions like the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) and the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC).
- IANS