Passing through waterlogged South City underpass a nightmare for commuters

The South City underpass, a key access route to one of Ludhiana’s most upscale residential and commercial areas, was again submerged in knee-deep water following continuous rain for the past three days, leaving commuters stranded and sparking outrage over city’s chronic drainage failures.

Despite repeated complaints and assurances, the underpass continues to flood every time it rains, turning a routine drive into a harrowing ordeal. On Tuesday morning, dozens of vehicles were seen stalled on the waterlogged stretch. Some decided to turn back midway, seeing a pool of water, which led to traffic chaos.

Among those affected was Harpreet Singh, a resident of Kitchlu Nagar, whose car broke down in the middle of the underpass. “I was going to drop my son to school when the car engine gave up. Water had seeped into the exhaust. We had to push the vehicle out with the help from passers-by. It isn’t only inconvenient but also dangerous,” he said, visibly frustrated.

The stagnant water not only disrupted traffic but also posed health risks, with foul smells and mosquito breeding already reported by nearby residents. Local shopkeepers said their business drops sharply on such days as customers avoid the flooded route.

South City, known for its premium housing and market area, has one of the worst approach roads in the city. The underpass, meant to ease traffic flow, has become a symbol of civic neglect.

“It’s baffling that such a posh locality has such pathetic connectivity. The underpass is like a trap every monsoon,” said Renu Sharma, a daily commuter.

In response to mounting complaints, the authorities dispatched workers to pump out the water by noon. “We’ve started

the dewatering process and are reviewing long-term solutions,” said an official on duty.

However, residents remain skeptical. “We hear same promises every year. What we need is a permanent fix, not temporary repair works,” said Gurpreet Kaur, who has filed multiple complaints with the civic body.

With monsoon still active, residents fear more such episodes in coming weeks. As Ludhiana expands, the disconnect between infrastructure and planning becomes more glaring. For South City residents, the underpass is no longer just a road — it’s a recurring reminder of how civic priorities often fail to meet public needs, adds Kritika, a member of an NGO.