South City underpass turns into a pool after rain
A short drive towards the South City underpass paints a grim picture. Commuters approaching the underpass are met with a troubling sight — floating number plates, dislodged bumpers and broken flaps of cars and scooters, which were swept away in the accumulated water.
Though the area received only light showers on Friday, the South City underpass remains heavily waterlogged following the two days of downpour, exposing serious flaws in the city’s drainage infrastructure.
What was designed to ease congestion turns into a recurring hazard after every major spell of rain. Several residents have reported vehicle breakdowns and financial losses due to the accumulated water.
As vehicles approach the South City underpass, many motorists try to reverse vehicles on spotting the waterlogged stretch — creating sudden traffic chaos and confusion. The fear of getting stuck runs deep among commuters.
“I once got stranded right in the middle of a road during a downpour,” recalls Rajeev Malhotra, a local businessman.
“My car engine failed and I had to wade out in knee-deep water. Since then, I don’t take chances as reversing the vehicle is far better than reliving that nightmare,” he said.
Pawan Sharma, a city resident, shared his ordeal: “My automatic car stalled right in the middle of the underpass. The water was so deep that it reached the doors. I had to spend a hefty amount to get it repaired.”
Two-wheeler riders have faced equal distress. Ritika Verma, a college student, said: “I tried crossing the underpass on my scooter but the engine gave up halfway. I had to push the two-wheeler out with help. It’s risky and frustrating — it happens every monsoon.”
The situation has sparked concern among local residents, many of whom question the planning and execution of the underpass project.
While the Municipal Corporation claims to be addressing the issue, there are not much improvement in the situation. A senior MC official said: “Our teams are at the site and working to pump out the water using suction machines. We’re monitoring the situation closely.”
“New bridges and flyovers are being built to improve the traffic flow, which is welcome, but what about maintaining the older infrastructure?” asked a resident.
“The South City underpass is a prime example of poor planning and neglect. Recurring problems after rain show that we not only need development but also smarter maintenance of what already exists,” he said.
However, residents argue that temporary fixes are no longer enough. The recurring flooding at the South City underpass — despite Ludhiana’s Smart City status — points to a deeper need for structural upgrades and a dedicated storm water drainage system.
Ludhiana