Indore in need of a Pied Piper as Shastri Bridge collapses due to rat infestation

Indore is facing an urgent infrastructure concern as a section of the 75-year-old Shastri Bridge caved in on Sunday, leaving a 5x6-foot pit. Officials have attributed the collapse to extensive rat infestation that hollowed out the bridge’s foundation. Civic authorities estimate repair costs at around Rs 75 lakh.

Rajendra Rathore, an official from the Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC), said a panel formed to probe the incident concluded that rats were responsible for damaging the bridge, which was constructed in the 1950s. The inner section of the bridge was found to be completely hollowed out due to rodent burrowing, with old reinforcing bars exposed.

Previous rat-related incidents in the city
The collapse adds to a worrying trend of rat-related incidents in Indore. In September, two infants in the ICU of the state-run MY Hospital were bitten by rats. Both died, though doctors attributed the deaths to pre-existing medical conditions rather than the bites.

Unauthorised structure contributed to problem
Authorities noted that an illegal tea and snacks stall had been set up next to the bridge at the collapse site. The presence of food in the area likely encouraged the rodent population to grow. The IMC removed the unauthorised structure on Monday.

Repair plans and expert assessment
A team from IMC, accompanied by experts from SGSITS College, examined the site following the collapse. Shringar Shrivastava, additional commissioner of IMC, confirmed that based on the expert committee’s recommendations, the corporation has proposed an allocation of approximately Rs 75 lakh for comprehensive repair work.

(With inputs from TOI)