Shahpura road sinks, leaving dangerous hole at busy intersection

Bhopal: A hazardous depression has opened up overnight at Shaitan Singh Chouraha near Manisha Market, Arera Colony, turning a major traffic intersection into a potential accident hotspot just as the monsoon is intensifying.The intersection, a broad junction with heavy commuter and vehicle flow, now has a central hole about the size a scooter tyre from above. However, residents say the inside looks more hollow than it appears, with the depression likely deeper and wider beneath the surface than the visible opening suggests.Sanjay, a local resident, described it as a “dangerous situation” that could lead to a fatal accident if commuters lose control or bikes skid into the hole during wet conditions.

While no major incidents have been reported yet, there have been near-misses, with riders narrowly avoiding the depression by swerving into adjacent lanes.Residents have not yet approached BMC or PWD directly, but have complained to the local corporator about the unsafe condition. In response, a BMC official said the road is maintained by PWD and that PWD officials were not reachable at the time. No repair timeline or traffic diversion plan has been announced.

The intersection is part of a larger infrastructure works zone that includes PWD road upgrades, a flyover construction project, and ongoing sewage and pipeline laying. These overlapping works have already disrupted surface quality, drainage and traffic movement in the area.With the monsoon now underway, the danger is expected to grow. Rainwater can quickly fill the depression, hiding the hole under a film of water and making it harder for drivers to spot, especially at night, warn experts.