Parliament Question: Railway policy on construction of sheds at underbridges

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1704 ANSWERED ON 13.02.2026 RAILWAY POLICY ON CONSTRUCTION OF SHEDS AT UNDERBRIDGES 1704 SHRI SANT BALBIR SINGH:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

(a) whether there exists a standard policy or guidelines of the Railways regarding construction of sheds at underbridges to protect commuters from rain and heat, if so, the details thereof;

(b) reasons as to why several underbridges across Punjab and other States exist without sheds, despite recurring public inconvenience during monsoon seasons; and

(c) whether the Ministry proposes to review or amend existing norms to ensure mandatory sheds at underbridges prone to waterlogging and heavy pedestrian movement? ANSWER MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a) to (c): As on 01.04.2025, there are 14,745 Nos. of RUBs/ LHS over Indian Railways. Out of which 423 Nos. existing RUBs in the State of Punjab.

Sanctioning and execution of works of Road Over Bridges/ Road Under Bridges (ROBs/RUBs) is a continuous and ongoing process on Indian Railways. Such works are prioritized and taken up on the basis of its impact on safety and mobility in train operations and impact on road users.

Nos. of ROBs/ RUBs constructed on Indian Railways during the period 2004-14 vis a vis 2014- 25 (upto Dec’25) is as under:

Period ROBs/ RUBs constructed 2004-14 4,148 Nos.

2014-25 (upto Dec’25) 13,882 Nos.

Railways have also taken several remedial measures to mitigate the problem of water logging,

as under:  Adequate drainage arrangement has been made as integral part of planning of new RUB/underpasses. § In existing RUBs/underpasses remedial measures like water flow diversion to nearby bridge and nallahs/drains, provision of cover shed on approach roads, provision of hump at entry to RUB, provision of cross drains, sealing of joints etc. have been made as per feasibility, suitability and site requirements.

 In addition, pumping arrangement has also been made for identified RUBs, to drain out water expeditiously in case of emergency and provision to stop road traffic in exceptional/unusual rainfall situation for safety of road users.

Cover shed is not a mandatory requirement in RUBs/subways. Shed is measure to avoid rain water from accumulation. This arrangement is built on need basis as per actual requirement of site.

Those underbridges where no waterlogging occurs do not require this arrangement. ***** §