Pedestrians throw caution to the wind as they cross the rail tracks at gate No. 2 in Fancy Bazar on Wednesday. The absence of a level-crossing gate adds to the confusion. Picture by Eastern Projections

July 11: The Centre has entrusted the National Building Construction Corporation (NBCC) with the construction of overbridges in the city that will replace the busy level-crossing gates.

The move is aimed at reducing traffic congestion.

Sources said the NBCC had already identified the busy level crossings at Gandhi Basti, Bharalumukh, Bamunimaidam and Lalit Chandra Bharali College point for the proposed overbridges. The detailed project reports will soon be submitted to the Union urban development ministry to avail funds.

“The process of identifying other level crossings will begin soon. After that the NBCC will immediately prepare the reports and submit them for implementation during the second phase of the project. According to the plan, overbridges are expected to come up at 12 extremely busy level crossings,” an official said.

The city’s level crossings have become nightmares for commuters. Goods trains often stop for long hours causing delay to office-goers who are stuck up at both ends. It’s a common sight to see a long queue of stranded cars during the passing of a train, creating long traffic snarls.

To avoid delay, many crawl under stationary trains to reach the other end or walk over the couplings between coaches.

The official said though the Assam government wanted to construct the overbridges in association with the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), the plan did not materialise because of NFR’s reluctance.

He said the NBCC, which is already busy in city’s road development project, would construct the overbridges as part of the Centre’s scheme to improve urban infrastructure.