Rail overbridge opened for public

The 578 metres long Katheri Bagh rail overbridge, constructed over level crossing No 81 D, was opened for public on Thursday. The overbridge was inaugurated by minister of state for defence MM Pallam Raju in the presence of Union coal minister Sri Prakash Jaiswal. The bridge would ease traffic rush at the Allahabad railway crossing situated in Cantt. Lakhs of commuters would now be a benefited, who will not have to wait for the railway crossing to open. The level crossing No 81 D lies on Delhi-Howrah route.The overbridge has been named after Shiv Narain Tandon, who was the first MP from Kanpur parliamentary constituency. President, Cantonment Board, Brig JS Khera, CEO NV Satyanarayana and eminent personalities of the city were present.Brig Khera said that the overbridge would benefit the people of the area. It has been constructed at a cost of Rs 17.09 crore.Addressing the gathering, Pallam Raju thanked the people, who faced difficulties while the ROB was being constructed. The bridge was constructed in 27 months. He said that the construction of bridge will result into development of the city."Kanpur was famous as the Manchester of the East. Its lost pride has to be restored. The city has six ordnance factories out of 40 in the country. It also has HAL and several textile units. It is the biggest tax payer in the state. Therefore, further efforts are required to make Kanpur progress and such infrastructural developments would take the city ahead," said Pallam Raju.Jaiswal highlighted the need for further growth of the city. Kanpur cannot develop without infrastructural development, he added."If infrastructure would not be strengthened, the city cannot develop. Once this is done, the industrialists would look towards Kanpur for setting up industries, unemployed would get employment and the city would regain its lost glory. Construction of the overbridge is one fine example in this regard," said Jaiswal.Jaiswal said that the overbridge is the only the second in the country which has been constructed from the funds given by defence ministry. Kanpur has progressed on its own and the Central and the state governments have not much.The foundation stone of the overbridge was laid in 2008. Pallam Raju had laid the foundation stone. The overbridge was constructed with the efforts of defence ministry, Cantonment Board and railway ministry.