Ludhiana's Jagraon bridge to undergo significant renovation, plans for widening in progress
In a bid to ensure the safety and smooth flow of traffic, the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation has announced plans to renovate the Jagraon bridge, a crucial part of the city's traffic management system. The decision comes after a recent inspection by Commissioner Aaditya Dachalwal, Ludhiana Central MLA Ashok Prashar Pappi, and senior deputy mayor Rakesh Prashar.
During the inspection, several issues were noted. Damaged crash barriers, poor drainage near traffic lights, and overgrown vegetation along retaining walls were among the problems identified. Cracks and damage have been noticed at several points on the bridge, and it appears that rodents, believed to be attracted by a nearby fish market, have burrowed holes into the bridge's structure, further weakening it.
Repeated waterlogging at the approach to the bridge near the traffic lights has led to potholes and damage to the road. To address these issues, the Municipal Corporation has requested a permanent solution to improve drainage and prevent road erosion during the rainy season.
In addition to repairs, the MC has also proposed a plan for widening the bridge, particularly towards Vishwakarma Chowk. Concrete retaining walls will be constructed from Durga Mata Mandir to the Jagraon Bridge Chowk as part of the renovation.
The commissioner and MLA visited a road cave-in site near the railway station and directed the staff to speed up repair work. They also checked the static compactor site near Chand Cinema Bridge and issued instructions for its better maintenance.
The Jagraon bridge, constructed in the early 1980s, connects major city routes, particularly for those heading towards Delhi, Jalandhar, and Amritsar. The specific architect or engineer responsible for the planning and construction of the Jagraon bridge section is not publicly documented.
The damaged wall section does not currently pose a threat to the main structure, but efforts are being made to strengthen the entire bridge. The MC has requested a permanent solution to improve drainage and prevent road erosion during the rainy season. The renovation work is expected to improve the safety and efficiency of the Jagraon bridge, ensuring a smoother journey for the city's commuters.
