Ludhiana: The Punjab State and Chandigarh (UT) Human Rights Commission has taken cognisance of a complaint alleging that the condition of the Rahon-Machhiwara bridge over the Satluj river is deteriorating and that it poses a risk for commuters.The commission has directed the deputy commissioner, Ludhiana, and superintendent engineer, Public Works Department (PWD), to look into the matter, take appropriate measures and submit a report before the next hearing on Nov 26, 2026.The commission received the complaint, filed by Anvita Chaudhary, a resident of Rahon Road, Moan Mohalla, Samrala tehsil, on Sept 24, 2026.In her complaint, Chaudhary flagged the danger posed by the crumbling Rahon-Machhiwara Satluj bridge.After taking cognisance of the matter, the commission directed that it be put up before the superintendent engineer, PWD and the deputy commissioner, “who may look into the same, as the bridge is stated to be in dilapidated condition and may collapse at any time, potentially resulting in an untoward incident.”The commission also directed authorities to take appropriate measures and submit a report before the next date of hearing.In her complaint, Chaudhary said the Rahon-Machhiwara Satluj bridge was a vital public route connecting Machhiwara Sahib with Rahon and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar (Nawanshahr). Pointing out that it received heavy traffic every day, she submitted that structural cracks and deterioration had reportedly been observed on various occasions. Despite the safety concerns, the bridge continued to remain an important route for the public, she said.The complainant stated that the concern was not merely based on public perception or apprehension, claiming that the structural condition of the bridge had been examined by IIT Roorkee in July 2025, as per information received from The Times of India.“As per the material available with the Complainant, the aforesaid assessment reportedly concluded that there was no reasonable manner in which the damaged portion could be retrofitted and recommended dismantling of the critical span, along with an independent assessment of the sub-structure to determine whether the same could be retained as part of a new design,” the complaint said.“It is a matter of fact that the bridge was considered unsafe by the public works department and that heavy vehicles were required to be stopped from using the bridge. The existence of such concerns, coupled with the continued use of the bridge by members of the public, gives rise to an immediate and serious question concerning public safety,” the complaint said.The complainant said the issue was therefore not merely one concerning the repair or maintenance of public infrastructure. She submitted that the fundamental issue was whether adequate and timely measures had been taken by authorities to ensure that human life was not exposed to a foreseeable and preventable danger.“It would not be wrong to suggest that any structural failure of a bridge carrying regular public traffic may result in death, serious bodily injuries and substantial loss of property. The consequences of such an eventuality would be grave, irreversible and incapable of being adequately remedied after the occurrence,” the complainant submitted.Residents also highlighted the problems caused by the condition of the bridge.Avatar Singh, a transporter, said his vehicles had to take longer routes, either via Ladowal or Ropar, to reach the Nawanshahr area. He said this resulted in higher fuel consumption.Singh demanded that the bridge be either reconstructed or properly repaired so commuters and commercial vehicle operators did not face problems.Official takeHimanshu Nahar, SDO, Nawanshahr division, said a detailed structural assessment of the bridge was being carried out by IIT Ropar. He added that once the final report was received, a decision would be taken on whether the bridge could be repaired or retrofitted or whether a new bridge needed to be constructed.He said the matter was already in the knowledge of the govt and, after its approval, IIT Ropar was carrying out an investigation of the bridge.The officer said the final report from IIT Ropar was expected in around a month or two.Asked about an alternative route if the bridge was closed, a PWD official, requesting anonymity, said commuters could take the Rahon-Mattewara road, which connects to Nawanshahr Road beyond the Machhiwara-Rahon bridge. However, he said the diversion would add around 15 km to the journey, even for commuters travelling in light vehicles.What the complainant has sought–Immediate status report from the state govt, PWD and deputy commissioners on the present structural and safety condition of the bridge.— Complete records relating to inspection, structural assessment, safety evaluation, repair history and proposed reconstruction or rehabilitation of the bridge— Directions for an independent and comprehensive structural safety inspection and assessment of the bridge by a competent technical institution or agency–Directions to authorities to undertake urgent and time-bound steps for repair, dismantling, reconstruction or replacement of the critically damaged portion
