The Delhi High Court on Wednesday directed the Public Works Department to coordinate with the Delhi Cantonment Board and other civic bodies to finalise a detailed plan for constructing a Foot Over Bridge (FOB) to aid soldiers of the Rajputana Rifles.
These soldiers currently face the unpleasant task of walking through a drain to move between their barracks and the parade ground.
Court Acting On Media Reports
This directive comes as part of a suo motu petition taken up by the High Court, prompted by media reports highlighting the unsanitary and inconvenient conditions faced by the soldiers. The division bench, comprising Justices Prathiba M. Singh and Rajneesh Kumar Gupta, is monitoring the case closely to ensure prompt action.
The court has now asked the PWD, Delhi Traffic Police, and the Delhi Cantonment Board to convene a joint meeting and finalise the bridge’s design, estimated budget, and construction timeline. The bench made it clear that the bridge’s construction had been approved long ago and urged the agencies to expedite the process.
“The plan for design, budget, and time period must be finalised and submitted to the court,” the bench stated, while also allowing the PWD to involve other agencies if required.
Focus On Drainage & Traffic Issues
With the monsoon season approaching, the court also stressed the importance of ensuring that the area remains free from waterlogging. It instructed all relevant civic departments to maintain proper drainage around the proposed construction site.
Earlier, on May 30, the court had also directed the authorities to consider installing a traffic signal in the area to assist soldiers in crossing the road safely, without disrupting the regular traffic flow.
Case Background
The issue first came to light on May 26, when media outlets reported that soldiers of the Rajputana Rifles had to wade through a smelly and unsanitary drain to reach their training ground. Taking immediate note of the report, the Delhi High Court initiated proceedings to ensure that the matter was addressed with the urgency it deserved.
Authorities are expected to submit a progress report after finalising the design and logistics of the bridge. With judicial oversight in place, the High Court aims to ensure that the soldiers are provided with a dignified and safe route as soon as possible.
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