OKARA: Railway authorities closed another level crossing, the main link between the northern and southern sides of the city, over non-payment of Rs2.2 million by the municipal committee (MC) for three years.

A level crossing at the western end of the city, 145A, had been closed over four years ago upon default of Rs9 million. Due to its closure, thousands of residents of 4/L and 2/L villages had been facing hardships as they had to travel to city bazaars, district courts and the fruit and vegetable and grain markets situated at the northern end of the city.

Residents in the north and south of the city would now be bound to use an underpass with a bottleneck passage to the main gate of Mohalla Islampur gate.

Railway authorities in the city told this correspondent that Rs9m for the level crossing 145-A had been pending for over six years. No authority, including the MC, highways department, district council and the district administration, was taking responsibility for paying the default amount to the railways department.

Despite repeated reminders the MC did not pay the Rs2.2 million for crossing 145-B and the railways department had clearly told the committee that the crossing would be closed if the default amount was not paid.

Residents have protested over the closure several times, but neither the city administration nor lawmakers have so far paid any heed to the issue. Now, only two railway underpasses were used by the public.

Residents in the south have to travel to the DHQ hospital, while those in the north have to go to the general bus stand for travelling ahead as all bus stands are situated in the southern part of the city.

Aslam Piracha