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Shastri Bridge Section Caves In in Indore as Rat Tunnels Expose Ageing Weakness

Officials link rat burrows to deferred upkeep, with engineers beginning audits, deterrent redesigns.

Overview

  • Authorities reported a roughly five‑foot‑deep hole near the Punjab National Bank stretch on Sunday, with no injuries and traffic diverted.
  • IMC, PWD and SGSITS teams filled the crater, documented more than 20 active tunnels and cordoned the site for closer structural assessment.
  • Public works officials said food waste from a former tea stall and open drainage drew rodents into the slab and drains, prompting plans to redesign the footpath and drainage to deter burrowing.
  • Earlier repair work about ten months ago logged over 200 rat holes on the bridge, but no permanent mitigation followed.
  • IMC has sanctioned Rs 40 lakh for repairs under IRC standards based on SGSITS advice, while some experts caution that inadequate maintenance and rising traffic contributed to the distress.