Flooded underpasses: Is infra serving its purpose amid rains, question Ludhiana residents

What was once hailed as a solution to traffic congestion has now become a symbol of civic frustration. As rains lash the city, key underpasses meant to ease vehicular movement have turned into waterlogged traps, forcing the authorities to barricade entry points and leaving commuters in the lurch.

The South City underpass, in particular, has drawn sharp criticism from residents. Despite repeated complaints about waterlogging, no effective drainage solution has been found. Instead, the authorities have opted to put up temporary barricades, blocking both entry and exit points. Local residents say such reactive approach only highlights lack of foresight in urban planning.

“What’s the use of these underpasses when they cannot be used amid rain?” questioned a visibly frustrated resident, watching vehicles turning away from a flooded stretch of the underpass. The sentiment echoes across social media and local forums, where images of submerged roads and stranded vehicles have gone viral.

The situation is no better at the Pakhowal Road–Sarabha Nagar underpass, which remains completely inundated. With no visible signs of water receding, the route has become impassable. Commuters who attempted to brave the stretch found themselves in distress.

“I took the route thinking it would save time,” said Harpreet Singh, a city resident.

“But the water was so deep due to which my scooter broke down midway. I had to wade through knee-deep water to push it out.”

Lodhi Club underpass was also shut for traffic following repair work of drains a few days ago.

Many residents are now calling for a structural overhaul of drainage systems in the underpasses, demanding accountability and long-term solutions.

City based engineer Dinesh Verma has also weighed in, pointing out that without proper slope design and water exit channels, underpasses were prone to becoming catchment zones during heavy rainfall.

“While barricades might prevent further damage for now, the issue also raise a fundamental question: If infrastructure cannot withstand seasonal weather, is it truly serving its purpose?” he asked.

As Ludhiana continues to grapple with monsoon disruptions, the flooded underpasses stand as a stark reminder that development without durability is a costly illusion. Underpasses exist but residents are left navigating alternate routes — and hoping that next year’s rains won’t bring the same story back, said Harjinder Singh, another city resident.