Indore: Rat Infestation Causes Cavity on Shastri Bridge, Major Accident Averted Just in Time

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Indore, Madhya Pradesh: A major mishap was narrowly avoided on Sunday morning when a portion of the historic and busy Shastri Bridge in Indore suddenly caved in due to extensive rat burrows underneath. The collapse created a five-foot-deep and six-foot-long pit, alarming commuters and prompting an immediate response from authorities.

The incident occurred around 10 a.m. near the Punjab National Bank, on the lane leading from Gandhi Statue to Shastri Market. Fortunately, no vehicles were passing at that moment—otherwise, the situation could have turned tragic.

Rats Behind the Collapse

When the Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) team arrived for repair work, they discovered that rats had dug multiple burrows beneath the structure, hollowing out the soil base and causing the road surface to sink. Officials counted over 20 burrows in the affected area.

Shockingly, this is not the first such incident. Around ten months ago, rats had created more than 200 holes under the same bridge, weakening the foundation and forcing emergency repairs at that time as well.

Food Distribution Linked to Infestation

Rajendra Rathore, head of the Public Works Committee, inspected the site and explained that the growing rat population under the bridge was likely due to leftover food from daily meal distributions.

“Several organizations and individuals distribute food to the needy from the railway station to Regal Square and the Shastri Bridge. The leftovers attract rodents, leading to large-scale burrowing under the structure,” Rathore said.

He added that the IMC would soon undertake concrete refilling beneath the bridge and launch an intensive pest control drive to prevent recurrence.

Previous Rat-Related Damages

This isn’t the first time rats have endangered Indore’s public infrastructure. Earlier, rats had bitten two newborns at MY Hospital, and on another occasion, a passenger at the city airport was bitten by a rat.

Quick Action Prevented Disaster

Following Sunday’s discovery, the municipal and police teams promptly cordoned off the bridge, halted traffic, and filled the cavity with construction material. Traffic movement was restored after safety inspection.

Officials assured that preventive measures would be implemented immediately to ensure public safety on the city’s vital Shastri Bridge — a reminder that even the smallest creatures can cause the biggest disruptions if civic hygiene and maintenance are ignored.