Vadodara: The Priyalakshmi railway underpass, located between Vadodara railway station and Pandya Bridge, has been closed for the next six months to facilitate civil work for the Mumbai–Ahmedabad bullet train project. The decision has been taken as a safety measure during the execution of the C-5 package being built by L&T, but it has left residents of nearby settlements facing serious hardship.

The underpass had also remained closed last year for a period of five months, from May 1 to October 31. Although it was later reopened for traffic, locals have alleged that this time the closure has taken place without any prior notice.

Residents of areas such as Dr. Chhaganlal’s Chali, Priyalakshmi Chali, Rasulji Chali and L.K. Nagar are being forced to take long detours due to the sudden closure.

Demanding pedestrian access, a local resident said many low-income families live in the surrounding settlements and the drain has been shut without any official communication. With board examinations approaching, children risk reaching school late and may not be allowed entry. Residents have demanded that at least a small pedestrian pathway be provided.

Another local woman said residents must walk long distances even to buy vegetables or fruit. Heavy traffic congestion on the main bridge makes it difficult to transport sick persons, while crossing railway tracks invites penalties from railway authorities. She added that residents are poor and are only seeking a safe walking route.

Residents have made a single demand: authorities should immediately create an alternative arrangement for pedestrian movement. DeshGujarat