kolkata

IIE DIGITAL DESK : The section of Ballygunge Circular Road in South Kolkata collapsed during heavy monsoon rainfall, forming a crater approximately 7 feet deep near the Ballygunge Military Camp. The incident occurred late Sunday after the city's sewerage department was working to repair an underground pipeline—a routine fix that tragically triggered structural failure in this vital arterial route.

The collapsed stretch had shown earlier signs of weakness months ago, with a smaller sunken patch patched over with asphalt. However, recent heavy showers intensified water pressure, causing a sudden and deeper collapse in the heart of the carriageway. Authorities cordoned off the affected area by Monday morning, reducing the road to a narrow passage barely wide enough for two cars.

Ballygunge Circular Road is frequently used by motorists traveling from southern Kolkata toward central and north parts—favoured for its one-way flow and minimal traffic lights. The cave-in thus significantly disrupted connectivity across these zones, forcing commuters to reroute via alternative roads like Sarat Bose Road or Syed Amir Ali Avenue, which are often congested.

Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) road officials moved quickly to mobilize repair teams. Work began around noon, coordinated jointly with the drainage department. The sewer line repair must complete before the roadway can be safely restored. Officials emphasized urgency, given the heavy daily traffic and the road’s strategic importance.

The incident highlights a broader issue—aging underground infrastructure prone to failure during monsoons. Across Kolkata, many main streets have suffered crater-like collapses due to heavy rains combined with dilapidated sewers. Ballygunge and other South Kolkata localities received over 114 mm of rainfall in one day, according to KMC drainage data, increasing pressure on existing pipelines.

Heavy rain also exposed craters in Salt Lake’s roads shortly afterwards as standing water receded. These recurring faults have triggered mounting public complaints about repair quality and long-term durability. Residents and commuters alike express frustration that patchwork fixes fail under continuing rainfall.

The cave-in adds to a chaos of complementary monsoon woes: flash flooding, severe traffic snarl-ups on Park Street, CR Avenue, BB Ganguly Street, Dalhousie, and more. Drainage systems, while upgraded in capacity, continue to face stress beyond their limits in high-intensity rains.

KMC officials have attributed the street collapse specifically to the sewer line work that destabilized the ground beneath. Even so, experts warn that similar collapses could occur elsewhere unless thorough inspections and preventive reinforcement measures are taken in high-risk zones.

In summary, the Ballygunge Circular Road sinkhole underscores vulnerabilities in Kolkata's monsoon‑era road infrastructure. Prompt relief measures are underway, but public faith rests on long-term structural upgrades and preventive maintenance. For now, local authorities must balance repair urgency with caution—and drivers must navigate an unpredictable commute landscape in the stormy weeks ahead.