*Northern Railway and State Transport issue NOC for construction of a subway to connect Railway Station and Bus Stand in Ambala Cantt – Transport Minister Anil Vij*

*Minister Anil Vij directs National Highways Authority to expedite subway construction process after receiving NOC*

*‘Smart’ connectivity in Ambala Cantt: Modern subway to link Bus Stand and Railway Station, equipped with lights and drainage system*

Chandigarh, December 23 – Haryana’s Energy, Transport and Labour Minister Sh. Anil Vij said that the No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the construction of a modern subway/underpass beneath GT Road (NH-44) has been issued by Northern Railway and the State Transport Department to facilitate smooth pedestrian movement between the Ambala Cantt Bus Stand and the Railway Station.

After the issuance of the NOC by both departments, Sh. Vij today directed the Project Director of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Ambala, to immediately expedite the subway construction process. He said that the construction work should begin at the earliest so that the public can benefit from it as soon as possible.Transport Minister Anil Vij stated that the subway will be constructed in accordance with modern infrastructure standards and will be equipped with facilities such as lighting, a drainage system, and other essential amenities.

*Joint inspection conducted before issuance of NOC*

Before issuing the NOC, a joint inspection was conducted by the National Highways Authority, Railways, and the State Transport Department. During the inspection, it was found that there were no obstacles in the construction plan prepared by the National Highways Authority. Various aspects related to smooth pedestrian movement were also discussed during the inspection.

*Subway to extend from Bus Stand to Railway Station parking*

According to the plan prepared by the National Highways Authority, the subway/underpass will be constructed near the out-gate on the GT Road side of the bus stand and will pass beneath GT Road to connect directly to the railway station parking area. The subway will be approximately 60 meters long. It will be equipped with lighting and other facilities, and pumps will be installed for water disposal to prevent waterlogging.

*Subway/underpass to ease GT Road crossing for commuters/pedestrians – Vij*

Transport Minister Anil Vij said that the construction of the subway/underpass would be a major step toward enhancing passenger convenience. He said that nearly 375–400 trains pass through Ambala Cantt Railway Station daily, with thousands of passengers boarding and alighting. GT Road lies outside the station, and crossing it during peak hours often causes inconvenience. Similarly, passengers face difficulties while crossing the road to catch buses from the bus stand, and vice versa.

He said that the subway/underpass would resolve these problems, allowing people to travel directly between the railway station and the bus stand without having to cross GT Road.

It is noteworthy that Transport Minister Anil Vij had earlier brought this public inconvenience to the notice of Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Sh. Nitin Gadkari and demanded the construction of a subway/underpass at this location. Acting on this request, the Union Minister directed the National Highways Authority to prepare a plan and carry out the construction of the subway/underpass.