Only a handful of people in Jammu are likely aware that there is a pedestrian subway crossing in the city, which was constructed with much publicity but has remained defunct for the last many years. This underpass is located at the Kala Kendra near Bikram Chowk and people passing by can only see locked gates.
The subway has consistently faced serious issues related to safety, hygiene, and lighting. It has been closed multiple times in the past due to these concerns, and despite reopening, the problems persist, causing inconvenience and concern among the public. There are two more similar underpasses but their fate is also unclear as they are located near Digiana Ashram and Gangyal, the places which are presently witnessing construction of Katra-Amritsar-Delhi Expressway.
As for the underpass near Bikram Chowk is concerned, the authorities appear to have become active after a long delay as reports confirmed that the Commissioner, Jammu Municipal Corporation, has conducted an on-site inspection of the facility and issued immediate directives to restore its safe and regulated operation. The inspection was carried out with officials from the concerned police station, members of the municipal sanitation team, including the Health Officer, and Deputy Commissioner (North). The Commissioner has directed that the subway will remain open daily from 8 am to 6 pm. This fixed schedule has been implemented to prevent anti-social and illicit activities that typically occur during late hours. However, this reasoning is flawed and raises serious questions about the credibility of police and other security agencies because if these law enforcement agencies cannot take care of a small underpass in the heart of a city for 24 hours then trusting other big claims becomes difficult.
Sanitation was another big issue associated with this facility as this place has turned into a garbage dumping site when it was opened last time. This was also a safe haven for alcohol and substance abuse, making it unsafe for the general public, especially women and children.
It is good that the JMC Commissioner has taken the lead and once again initiated the measure to restore this facility. It is important that people also cooperate with the government in making this facility usable because crossing the road at this stretch is otherwise dangerous because of the high density of vehicles and their speed.
The JMC should revisit its decision to open this facility for limited hours because the need of the hour is that this underpass should be available for service for 24-hour use for the safety of pedestrians. The deployment of guards, CCTV cameras, and proper lighting could significantly improve safety. Overall, the authorities deserve kudos for considering the reopening of this vital civic infrastructure having the potential to stop accidents.
