Railway Overbridge Work Near Imlichhapar Chowk Stalled for 30 Months; Over 2 Lakh Residents Affected

Korba. The construction of the long-pending railway overbridge near Imlichhapar Chowk has remained stalled for the past two-and-a-half years, causing severe inconvenience to commuters across the region. Even after demolishing 11 houses—identified as major obstructions—six months ago during the monsoon, work has not resumed at the site.

The administration had cleared the structures in June, stating that work would begin immediately after the land was made available. However, despite the area being fully vacant, no official from RITES has yet arrived to restart the project, leaving local residents frustrated.

Due to the prolonged delay, nearly 2 lakh people from Kusmunda, Gevra-Deepka, Bhilai Bazaar, Hardibazar, Bankimongra, and around 25 nearby villages are facing daily difficulties. The Imlichhapar railway crossing, located on a busy coal corridor, closes at intervals of just a few minutes. With goods trains operating round the clock from Gevra Road station to coal mines, the gate is shut almost every 10 minutes, causing traffic bottlenecks and long queues.

Commuters are forced to take a longer detour via Kuchaina and the railway underbridge to reach Thana Chowk. If the overbridge is not completed before the next monsoon, the situation is likely to worsen further. The route is crucial for movement towards Kusmunda police station, Kusmunda mine, and adjoining areas. Nearly 1,000 heavy vehicles transporting coal from Kusmunda towards Korba, Champa, Raigarh, and other directions also pass through the same crossing, increasing pressure on the route.

Former councillor Amarjeet Singh said that on June 21–22, the administration demolished houses amid heavy rain without giving residents additional time to vacate. “People were uprooted with the assurance that the overbridge construction would start immediately. Six months later, not even preliminary work has begun,” he said. Singh warned that if RITES fails to start the project within this month, residents will launch a mass agitation.

Councillor Geeta Gavel also expressed concern, saying that the project has been stuck for years and the local population is suffering continuously. She urged the administration to take the matter seriously and ensure that work resumes at the earliest.