Surat Roads Collapse After First Rains, Raising Questions Over Crores Spent on Repairs

SURAT : The first spell of monsoon rain has torn through Surat Municipal Corporation’s claims of extensive pre-monsoon preparedness, exposing what residents allege is a dangerous mix of poor workmanship and negligence. Within days of the season’s arrival, two major road failures in different parts of the city left commuters terrified, injured passengers hospitalized, and fresh questions over how crores of rupees spent on road repairs are being utilized.

The most alarming incident occurred in the Ganeshnagar area of Pandesara, where a massive sinkhole suddenly appeared on a busy road. The collapse was so severe that it first trapped a nano tempo before swallowing part of a city bus packed with passengers.

CCTV footage of the incident shows the road giving way beneath vehicles, creating a deep cavity capable of engulfing an entire vehicle. Despite the danger, locals alleged that no barricades, warning signs, or safety measures had been put in place after the initial collapse.

As efforts were underway to remove the stranded tempo, a Surat Municipal Corporation bus carrying passengers attempted to pass through the stretch. The weakened road surface gave way, causing one side of the bus to sink deep into the mud.

“The bus suddenly tilted, triggering panic among passengers. People began screaming as the vehicle got trapped,” said a local resident who rushed to the scene. Residents broke windows and helped passengers escape before emergency teams arrived.

Seven passengers sustained injuries ranging from minor to serious and were shifted to Surat Civil Hospital for treatment.

Even before the city could recover from the shock, another incident near the Pal-Umra Bridge highlighted similar concerns. A section of road recently excavated by civic authorities reportedly lacked proper compaction and restoration. Following rainfall, the patch turned into a muddy trap.

A BRTS bus travelling through the area got stuck as its wheels sank into the soft ground, disrupting traffic for hours. The vehicle was eventually pulled out using a crane. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

Residents and opposition voices have questioned the quality of road restoration work, alleging that contractors merely filled excavated sections with loose soil instead of following engineering norms.

“These incidents are not just accidents; they are warning signs. Public safety cannot be compromised due to poor execution of civic projects,” said a concerned resident.