Every monsoon shower turns the road stretch between Sherpur Chowk and Dholewal Military Camp into a dangerous guessing game for motorists. Large potholes scattered across the carriageway get submerged under rainwater, making them nearly invisible and increasing the risk of accidents, vehicle damage and injuries.
Ironically, a prominently displayed Smart City Ludhiana board stands near the stretch, while the road beside it remains riddled with craters, exposing what commuters describe as official neglect despite repeated complaints.
Residents and daily commuters alleged that the condition of the road has remained largely unchanged for nearly a year. While temporary patchwork has been carried out at intervals, the repairs have failed to withstand traffic pressure and rainfall, leaving the stretch battered once again.
During a visit to the site, several two-wheelers were seen slowing down abruptly to avoid water-filled potholes, while heavy vehicles negotiated the damaged surface with difficulty. Commuters said the situation becomes particularly hazardous during peak hours and after rainfall, when it is impossible to judge the depth of potholes hidden beneath stagnant water.
A private hospital is located on the same stretch. Thousands of patients visit this hospital daily facing significant inconvenience.
{{/usCountry}}A private hospital is located on the same stretch. Thousands of patients visit this hospital daily facing significant inconvenience.
{{/usCountry}}Patients affected
Sarita Jha, who frequently travels through the stretch to visit a nearby hospital, said the road has become a source of anxiety for patients and attendants.
“Many patients already travel in discomfort. The condition of this road makes the journey even worse. During rains, ambulances and private vehicles are forced to crawl through water-filled potholes,” she said.
Neerja Mishra, a daily commuter, said motorists are often caught off guard.“You cannot even see where the road ends and the pothole begins. Every time it rains, there is fear of losing control of the vehicle. People skid regularly here,” she said.
Ajeet Singh, an elderly commuter, said he had witnessed several minor accidents on the stretch over the past few months.“Young riders somehow manage, but senior citizens face serious risks. One wrong move and a person can fall. The road has become dangerous for everyone,” he said.
Dilpreet Singh, another commuter, said repeated complaints had yielded little result.
“The administration talks about infrastructure upgrades, but this stretch has been ignored. A proper road is the most basic public requirement,” he said.
Problem persists for long
Attempts were made to contact Zone C commissioner Gurpal Singh for his response, but repeated calls went unanswered.
A municipal official, requesting anonymity, admitted that the problem was well known within the civic body.“Every official knows about this stretch and the inconvenience being faced by the public. Government departments exist to serve people. Providing a safe and motorable road is a basic responsibility, but unfortunately nothing substantial has been done so far,” the official said. Another Zone C official claimed the road falls under the jurisdiction of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), limiting the municipal corporation’s role in carrying out repairs.
The issue is not new. The Sherpur Chowk area has repeatedly drawn attention over poor road conditions and infrastructure deficiencies in recent years. However, despite repeated concerns raised by residents and public representatives, commuters say little has changed on the ground.
With more rain forecast during the monsoon season, residents fear that the stretch could witness more accidents unless immediate repairs are undertaken.“Before talking about smart infrastructure, authorities need to ensure that people can travel safely on basic roads,” said a commuter navigating yet another water-filled crater.