A significant tree collapse in Ludhiana's Gurdev Nagar area led to a traffic gridlock that lasted nearly 18 hours at a major commuter hub. The incident occurred overnight when a massive tree fell, snapping power lines and dragging down a network of heavy electricity poles.
Impact on Traffic
The collapse blocked the busy three-way roundabout connecting Pakhowal, Sarabha, and Ferozepur roads. Commuters heading into the morning rush hour were forced to navigate a dangerous maze of live infrastructure. Video footage and eyewitness accounts showed desperate drivers driving their vehicles directly over the downed poles and tangled cables, risking electrocution or accidents.
Lack of Safety Measures
Police and Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) failed to establish safety barriers or traffic diversions until late Tuesday afternoon. This sparked fierce condemnation from locals, who expressed concerns over the risk of electrocution or secondary crashes.
“The poles and wires were left active and completely exposed on the roadway for hours,” said one Gurdev Nagar resident. “With no warning signs, it’s a miracle there wasn’t a fatal accident.”
PSPCL Response
PSPCL officials blamed “logistical challenges” for the severe delay in clearing the arterial route. Crews managed to bypass the damaged grid to temporarily restore power to the neighborhood, but physical cleanup stalled for most of the day. Sukaran Singh Grewal, a PSPCL executive engineer, confirmed that “clubbed” structural poles had snapped under the weight of the tree, estimating the infrastructure damage at up to ₹75,000. Senior engineers remained on-site late Tuesday attempting to clear the roadway before the evening commute.
