The Priyalakshmi railway underpass between Vadodara railway station and Pandya Bridge has been shut for six months to facilitate civil work for the Mumbai–Ahmedabad bullet train project. The closure, linked to the C-5 package being executed by L&T, has caused inconvenience to nearby residents.
Locals said the underpass was earlier closed for five months last year and alleged that this time the shutdown happened without prior notice. Residents of Dr. Chhaganlal’s Chali, Priyalakshmi Chali, Rasulji Chali and L.K. Nagar are now forced to take long detours.
Demanding pedestrian access, residents said many low-income families live in the area and students may reach schools late due to the longer routes. They urged authorities to provide at least a small walkway.
A local woman said even buying daily essentials now requires long walks, while heavy traffic on the main bridge makes it difficult to shift patients. Crossing railway tracks also risks penalties. Residents have appealed to authorities to immediately create an alternative pedestrian route.