5 villages’ deputation calls on J&K BJP president

Jammu, Mar 2: A deputation, comprising prominent members from villages Chan Matloni, Tapyal, Chhan Samotra, Raghu Chak and Malani, on Monday called on J&K Bharatiya Janata Party (J&K) president and Member of Rajya Sabha, Sat Sharma and highlighted their long-pending demand for the construction of an overbridge on the railway track connecting Pathankot and Jammu.

J&K BJP vice presidents Bharat Bhushan, Priya Sethi, Rekha Mahajan, and Rashpal Verma, along with general secretaries Sanjita Dogra and Baldev Singh Billawaria, were present during the meeting.

The deputation, led by Rashpal Verma, highlighted the severe hardships being faced by the residents due to the non-availability of an overbridge to cross the railway track.

They informed that a large portion of agricultural land was located on the other side of the track and farmers were unable to access their fields easily.

“The situation worsens when goods trains halt at the starting point of the railway station for prolonged periods, sometimes for 15–20 days, completely blocking movement,” they pointed out.

The deputation further apprised Sat Sharma that students and teachers faced immense difficulty and risk while crossing the track, as the Government Middle School was situated on the opposite side. “Due to frequent and extended stoppages of goods trains, safe passage becomes nearly impossible, disrupting education and daily life,” they rued.

They also brought to J&K BJP president’s notice that, as per revenue records, an old bandobasti lane existed for public movement and urged that the same be revived to facilitate safe access across the railway line.

The villagers stated that they had been facing this issue for the past 54 years and had previously taken up the matter with Deputy Commissioners of Samba and senior officials of Northern Railways, but without a permanent solution.

Sat Sharma, after hearing the deputation, assured villagers that he would take up the matter with the concerned authorities in the interest of public safety and convenience, ensuring relief to farmers, students, and residents of the affected villages.