In Uttar Pradesh’s Bijnor district, the call for an additional road running parallel to the railway has gained momentum, with farmers and locals planning a panchayat on Thursday to strategize if their concerns remain unaddressed, according to farmer leaders.

The decision stems from the railway’s plan to construct boundary walls along the tracks of high-speed trains to deter trespassing and prevent cattle from entering the railway corridor. This move has raised apprehensions among residents of Ambedkar Colony and Samipur about connectivity between the two areas post-construction.

Varinder Singh Batth, the District Youth President of BKU, Bijnor, highlighted the issue, stating, “In a recent panchayat, the community voiced their need for a parallel road and a passage for improved connectivity between the areas affected by the boundary wall construction.”

He continued, “Despite assurances from railway officials to conduct a feasibility study, no tangible progress has been made. Hence, we plan to convene another panchayat on Thursday to escalate the matter.”

Residents have communicated their concerns to railway authorities through letters and meetings. Following these interactions, officials promised to assess the feasibility of the situation.

Sardara Singh Fauji, a local resident, expressed worry over the potential disruption, saying, “Our communities have coexisted for decades with direct access between them. If the railway proceeds with boundary walls, it will significantly disrupt our connectivity, forcing us to take longer routes.”

“We’ve proposed to the railway authorities the construction of a parallel road, akin to the one built at Mathurapur Mor during a previous closure. Our request is for a similar solution to preserve our connectivity,” added Fauji.

Residents reported a recent visit by railway officials who conducted a feasibility assessment in the area.

Sachin Haldia, another resident, shared, “Railway officials have explored potential options with us. Our expectation is straightforward: a suitable passage for the people of Ambedkar Colony and Samipur to cross the tracks.”

When asked about the progress of the feasibility check, RK Singh, DRM of Moradabad Railway Division, responded, “I’m awaiting the report to make any decisions regarding the railway’s course of action.”