What caused the road cave-ins in the city?

Road cave-ins were caused by vulnerabilities in underground services and road restoration works, exacerbated by the first winter rains, and potentially by damage to underground water and sewer lines during pipeline drilling.

When did a significant road collapse occur in Model Town?

A portion of the main road in the busy Model House market in Model Town caved in on Republic Day, January 26.

What actions are being taken to address the infrastructure issues?

Municipal corporation teams are undertaking repairs, and there are calls for closer technical supervision of pipeline work and a comprehensive quality audit of ongoing projects like the 24x7 water supply initiative.

Home / Disasters and Accidents / Winter rains expose city's crumbling underground infrastructure

Winter rains expose city's crumbling underground infrastructure

28 Jan

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Summary

First winter rains revealed major flaws in underground services.
Road subsidence occurred on Republic Day, disrupting traffic.
An audit of water supply projects is called for to ensure safety.

Winter rains expose city's crumbling underground infrastructure

The onset of winter rains has starkly highlighted significant vulnerabilities in the city's underground infrastructure and road restoration projects. A major road in the Model House market caved in on Republic Day, causing considerable traffic disruption. This incident followed a similar road subsidence reported near minister Sanjeev Arora's residence, which was repaired the same day.

Concerns have been raised about the adequacy of technical supervision for underground pipeline installations on busy roads. Activists point out that damage to water and sewer lines during drilling creates voids beneath road surfaces, increasing the risk of collapse. A car was recently stuck after a road cave-in on Tajpur Road, and another subsidence occurred at Model House on January 25, revealing water flowing beneath the road.