For world-class road status: Ludhiana’s aged and cracking Jagraon Bridge gets a coat of lipstick.

Ludhiana: Commuters using one of Ludhiana's most critical transport arteries face another treacherous monsoon season, as the municipal corporation (MC) delays major structural repairs to the Jagraon Bridge in favour of an upcoming "world-class roads" project.Despite surveys warning that the 50-year-old flyover's structural integrity is compromised, the civic body has opted for minor ramp renovations while punting the essential widening and retaining wall reconstruction into a larger, future budget. The "World Class Roads" project is set to launch within days, beginning with the stretch from Sherpur Chowk to Jagraon Bridge. Tendering for this initial phase is nearing completion, and the Jagraon Bridge itself is expected to be included in the redevelopment span.A Tale of Two ReportsThe bridge's stability became a primary concern during the last rainy season when its retaining wall collapsed in several locations. In response, the MC commissioned a structural audit from Guru Nanak Engineering (GNE) College. The GNE survey, conducted in late 2024, delivered a sobering assessment of structural compromise (The brick masonry retaining wall supporting the approach ramps showed signs of instability), environmental decay (full-grown trees, including peepal trees, were found growing out of the structure, their roots creating deep cracks), erosion (a complete lack of drainage systems and protective lining has led to localised degradation and soil erosion), and traffic hazards (experts noted a visible outward tilt and pavement settlement, creating an uneven surface for motorists).While GNE experts warned of potential "partial wall collapse" during heavy rains, MC officials argued the report did not explicitly label the bridge "unsafe." Seeking a second opinion, the council approached the Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology in Patiala, though that consultancy remains in limbo.Strategic DelaysRather than initiating immediate, comprehensive repairs, the MC has decided to split the project. Tenders have been floated exclusively for the renovation of the "up ramp" from the railway station and the "down ramp" toward Field Ganj. Senior deputy mayor Rakesh Prashar defended the decision to delay the widening of the bridge and the full reconstruction of the retaining wall."The up and down ramps are in poor shape and need fast-paced repair," Prashar said. "The rest of the work will be taken up under the 'world-class roads' project. Since this road was already included in that major project, it is more efficient to handle the widening at that stage."Risks for the Rainy SeasonThe delay means that as the monsoon approaches, the bridge will rely on "patchwork" repairs to the retaining wall intended to prevent untoward incidents. Engineering experts have urged the MC to implement a proper drainage system and remove deep-rooted vegetation to avoid a total failure of the wall sections. For now, however, the thousands of residents who traverse the link daily must wait for the broader infrastructure plan to materialise before the 50-year-old structure is truly secured.boxTouched-Up Ramp Walk Shows Its WrinklesBig Gamble | By renovating the ramps but ignoring the collapsing walls, Ludhiana is essentially fixing the cupholders on a car with no brakes, hoping "world-class" status arrives before the gravity doesPeepal Trees A Growing Challenge | Nature is literally reclaiming the city's infrastructure as giant roots of peepal trees are killing the bridge walls that the municipal budget simply refuses to touch this seasonSoil erosion | Lack of drainage systems and protective lining has led to localised degradation and soil erosionTilt visible | Commuters can see the "outward tilt" of the pavement, a bespoke feature of Ludhiana's delay-and-decay strategy that ensures every drive home is a high-stakes adventurequoteDefending Delay"The up and down ramps are in poor shape and need fast-paced repair. The rest of the work will be taken up under the 'world-class roads' project. Since this road was already included in that major project, it is more efficient to handle the widening at that stage."Rakesh Prashar | Senior Deputy Mayor MSID:: 130331264 413 |