A major road collapse occurred in Mumbai’s Prabhadevi area on Thursday morning, causing significant traffic disruptions and raising alarm among locals and political leaders. The incident, which took place on Swatantraveer Savarkar Marg near Kismat Junction, was attributed to a leak from a 66-inch underground pipeline. The resulting crater trapped a car's tyre, leading to a brief suspension of traffic.

Road Cave-In Sparks Concerns

The collapse happened around 10:30 AM, when shopkeepers and locals noticed a large 20-foot hole forming in the road. Quick action by bystanders and traffic police helped free the trapped vehicle within 30 minutes. However, the incident sparked concern as it took place just days before the Ganpati Visarjan festivities, a time of increased foot and vehicular traffic in the city. “If this had happened during the Visarjan, it could have been disastrous,” said Sanjay Bhagat, Shiv Sena (UBT) shakha pramukh for the area.

Political Leaders Weigh In

Local political leaders visited the site soon after the incident, with Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Anand Dubey criticizing the authorities for their delayed response and hinting at possible corruption. “This is a result of poor governance and misplaced priorities,” he said, adding that the incident occurred before the end of the festival, reflecting negligence in maintenance.

Sada Sarvankar, a leader from the Shinde faction of the Shiv Sena, instructed the road department to expedite repairs, while also directing traffic police to divert vehicles until the situation was resolved. Meanwhile, locals expressed frustration, stating that repeated warnings about the deteriorating condition of underground drainage and water lines had been ignored by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

Aging Infrastructure to Blame

According to BMC officials, the cave-in was caused by a leak in a British-era water pipe. Assistant maintenance engineer Santosh Shinde confirmed that the pipe had been leaking for an undetermined period, destabilizing the road’s foundation. "We are working to fix the issue, and the repairs should be completed by the end of the day," he assured.

The BMC’s statement indicated that the damage worsened as workers dug deeper to identify the source of the leak. The scheduled water supply in the area delayed the pipeline repair, which was eventually undertaken in the evening. During this period, water supply to the locality will remain affected.

Traffic Disruptions and Ongoing Repairs

The collapse briefly caused traffic chaos during peak hours, with police redirecting vehicles away from the affected area. Heavy machinery, including a JCB, was brought in to expedite the repairs. Though no injuries were reported, the incident has once again highlighted the need for urgent infrastructure improvements in Mumbai, particularly with regard to aging water and drainage systems.

The authorities have promised swift repairs, but the incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by the city’s old and deteriorating infrastructure, especially during festive periods when foot traffic and vehicular movement are at their peak.