Ludhiana begins reconstruction of Lakkar Bridge

The Ludhiana Municipal Corporation (LMC) has finally commenced the reconstruction of the long-pending Lakkar Bridge, a vital route linking the old city with newer residential and market zones, the civic body announced on Monday.

The Rs 1.5 crore project covers the stretch from Old Courts to Mata Rani Chowk, one side of which was closed to traffic to allow work to begin, while plans are in place to shut the remaining side shortly. The contractor has been tasked with three years of maintenance responsibilities and the LMC has pledged rigorous quality checks throughout construction.

Commissioner Aaditya Dachalwal emphasised that the monitoring framework is stronger than previously. Senior Deputy Mayor Rakesh Prashar acknowledged years of community complaints, noting the bridge “had become nearly unusable owing to extreme potholing and structural wear.”

Originally completed over 15 years ago amid funding and land acquisition issues, the bridge saw minimal maintenance since 2015. The delay in reconstruction has drawn criticism from residents who say commute times doubled during monsoon flooding. The LMC has cautioned drivers to expect congestion on alternate routes such as Damoria Bridge and Clock Tower area while works continue.

This redevelopment marks a key step in Ludhiana’s wider infrastructure refresh under its smart-city plans and is expected to ease travel for tens of thousands of daily commuters.