The demolition of the main foot overbridge (FOB) at Gorakhpur Junction, which has remained closed for nearly two years, has officially begun. Railway officials have started removing wires and pipes from the structure in preparation for its dismantling during the upcoming mega block from September 22 to 26, which is being conducted for the construction of the Gorakhpur-Dominagarh third railway line.
During this period, the operations of 63 trains will be suspended, leaving the station yard largely empty and eliminating the need for a separate block to carry out the FOB demolition.
ALSO READ: Uttarakhand Disaster Exposes Gaps In Power Infrastructure; Push For Disaster-Resilient Grid Underway
The closed central FOB has been out of use since September 16, 2023, and a new bridge is currently under construction to replace it. Work is progressing on platforms 3 and 4, but with less than 20 per cent completed, it appears unlikely that the new FOB will be ready before the initially set deadline. The railway administration has targeted 2025 for its completion.
The closure of the main bridge has significantly increased pressure on the eastern and western FOBs, which are now handling more passengers than their intended capacity. During peak hours, especially when multiple trains arrive simultaneously, thousands of commuters crowd onto a single bridge, straining the infrastructure.
The issue is expected to worsen during upcoming festivals such as Dussehra, Diwali, and Chhath, raising concerns for both passenger safety and railway administration preparedness.