A significant portion of a road in Ludhiana’s Kitchlu Nagar caved in, forming a substantial sinkhole that exposed underground sewerage and pipelines. The collapse occurred directly in front of a residential house, causing alarm among local residents who fear potential damage to adjacent properties should the sinkhole expand.
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating the sinkhole measures approximately 20 feet in depth and 30 feet in length. This incident follows a similar, large-scale road collapse near Saggu Chowk, located about two kilometers from the current site, which occurred in June.
Municipal Corporation Zonal Commissioner JS Sekhon attributed the cave-in to the aging sewerage line beneath the road. He explained that the sewerage system is decades old and has been weakened over time by repeated digging for internet and telephone cables. Sekhon stated that repair work would commence immediately, emphasizing that the primary focus would be on stabilizing the site and restoring the damaged sewerage line.
The corporation’s immediate priority is to secure the house adjacent to the sinkhole to prevent it from sinking. Sekhon assured that the road would be rebuilt only after the underground network has been made secure. The collapse has led to considerable disruption of traffic on the busy road, prompting traffic police to cordon off the area with barricades and divert vehicles to ensure public safety and prevent anyone from approaching the danger zone.
Local residents expressed shock and fear over the suddenness of the collapse. Sanjay, a resident, described hearing a rumbling sound before witnessing the road sink within minutes, expressing terror at the potential impact on their homes. Shopkeepers in the vicinity reported significant disruption to their businesses due to restricted access for customers.
The incident has reignited concerns about the vulnerability of Ludhiana’s urban infrastructure, with many residents pointing to the combination of aging sewerage systems and unregulated utility digging as factors contributing to such frequent collapses in various localities.
The Chenab Times News Desk