Ludhiana residents question planning amid monsoon chaos as underpasses flood

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

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

“What’s the use of these underpasses when they cannot be used?” questioned a visibly frustrated resident, watching vehicles turn away from the flooded stretch. 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 this route thinking it would save time,” said Harpreet Singh, a city resident. “But the water was so deep, my scooter broke down midway. I had to wade through knee-deep water to push it out.”

Many residents are now calling for a structural overhaul of the drainage systems in these 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 are prone to becoming catchment zones during heavy rainfall.

While the barricades may prevent further damage for now, they also raise a fundamental question: If infrastructure cannot withstand seasonal weather, is it truly serving its purpose?, questions he.

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, added Harjinder Singh, another city resident.