Structural experts have raised a serious alarm regarding the safety and integrity of Ludhiana's vital Jagraon Bridge, which is over five decades old. Recent technical inspections indicate the crucial transit link faces the risk of a partial collapse, posing significant dangers to public safety.
Survey Reveals Compromised Structural Condition
The Ludhiana Municipal Corporation (MC) commissioned a detailed survey from Guru Nanak Dev Engineering College (GNE) after a section of the bridge's retaining wall collapsed during the monsoon. The findings, based on site visits in October and November, paint a grim picture of a structure weakened by decades of neglect and environmental damage. The report categorizes the bridge as being in a "compromised" state.
The inspection team identified multiple critical failures, including severe structural instability, extensive damage from vegetation, complete drainage system failure, and significant surface degradation. A visible outward tilt in the retaining walls and settlement of the pavement are already disrupting traffic flow and creating unsafe conditions.
Root Causes of the Deterioration
Deep-rooted trees, such as Peepal, have grown within the bridge's masonry, causing major structural cracks and even leading to the "sudden detachment" of wall sections. Furthermore, the absence of functional drain pipes and weep holes has resulted in chronic waterlogging. Experts warn this saturation could trigger more collapses during future heavy rains. The approach ramps are also at high risk due to a lack of concrete lining, leaving the soil vulnerable to rapid erosion.
Municipal Corporation Seeks Second Opinion
Despite the urgent warnings in the GNE report, internal documents reveal the MC is seeking more comprehensive guidance. The civic body has formally approached the Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology in Patiala for a secondary structural assessment. Sources indicate the initial report was deemed insufficient as it did not explicitly declare the bridge "unsafe" and failed to provide a clear blueprint for the MC's goal of widening the aging structure to handle modern traffic volumes.
The bridge's long-term fate is now linked to a larger infrastructure overhaul. Officials are awaiting a final detailed project report (DPR) for the ambitious "European model" road project, designed to modernize Ludhiana's major arteries. A senior MC official stated they are evaluating whether the Jagraon Bridge renovation can be integrated into this flagship project, ensuring consultations with local shopkeepers and vendors whose livelihoods would be impacted by prolonged construction.
Experts Recommend Immediate Action
While long-term plans are formulated, structural experts have urged the Municipal Corporation to implement immediate remedial measures to prevent a potential catastrophe. The recommended quick actions include:
- Vegetation Removal: Eradicating deep-rooted trees to halt further cracking and structural damage.
- Drainage Retrofitting: Installing a standard drainage system and weep holes to relieve destructive water pressure.
- Soil Stabilization: Implementing concrete lining on the approach ramps to prevent further soil erosion and instability.
The situation underscores a critical need for prompt intervention to safeguard a key piece of Ludhiana's urban infrastructure and ensure public safety.
