Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 14: Months after it’s widely publicized reopening, the pedestrian subway at Bikram Chowk in Jammu has once again been shut down, raising serious concerns about the sustainability of public infrastructure and the safety of daily commuters.
Situated near Kala Kendra and connecting to the Polytechnic College area, the subway was envisioned as a crucial lifeline for pedestrians navigating one of the city’s busiest and most accident-prone intersections.
For a short period, it fulfilled that promise by offering a safe and structured alternative to crossing the chaotic traffic above.
However, the current state of the subway paints a starkly different picture.
Reports indicate that the underground passage, once equipped with modern lighting and CCTV surveillance, has fallen into neglect, now littered with empty bottles, syringes and drug paraphernalia. Citing concerns over safety and hygiene, authorities have sealed the subway yet again.
This closure has forced commuters, particularly students, back onto hazardous roads. Every morning, students can be seen hesitating at the crossing before risking their lives amid fast-moving traffic.
“The subway has been shut down once again by the JMC authorities. We are risking our lives daily,” said Suneet Singh Jamwal, a student of the Government Polytechnic College.
Their demand is straightforward: reopen the subway, but ensure it remains clean, secure and consistently monitored.
The recurring shutdown has reignited a broader debate about why public infrastructure in Jammu struggles to sustain itself.
Residents point out that while construction and renovation receive attention, long-term maintenance and accountability are often overlooked.
CCTV installation alone is not enough; continuous monitoring, regular cleaning and a visible security presence are essential to prevent misuse.
Today, the closed gates of the Bikram Chowk subway stand as more than just a physical barrier, they symbolize interrupted progress and eroding public trust.
Efforts to seek a response from Jammu Municipal Commissioner Devansh Yadav were unsuccessful, as repeated calls went unanswered.
For the people of Jammu, the demand is no longer just about reopening a subway, it is about restoring faith in governance and ensuring the basic right to safe mobility within their own city.
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