Major Road Collapses in Arifwala During Heavy Transport Movement
Arifwala: July 7, 2025
A major road collapse in Arifwala has caused significant disruption to local transportation and daily life. The road, located near Bypass Chowk, gave way on Monday morning after days of continuous heavy vehicle movement and lack of timely maintenance. The sudden collapse has raised serious questions about road safety and urban infrastructure planning in the city.
The Incident
According to eyewitnesses, the road caved in around 9:00 AM when several loaded trucks were passing through. The damaged portion spans almost 30 feet, creating a deep pit that has blocked all traffic in and out of the eastern side of Arifwala.
One of the drivers, Ahmed Raza, said he felt the road “shaking slightly” before it broke down beneath his truck’s rear wheels.
“I was lucky to escape. The front wheels had already crossed when the road cracked and sank behind me,” said Ahmed, visibly shaken.
Thankfully, no casualties have been reported, but multiple vehicles suffered minor damages, and traffic remained blocked for several hours.
Cause of the Collapse
Officials from the Arifwala Municipal Committee and the Highway Department visited the site shortly after the incident. Preliminary assessments suggest the collapse occurred due to weak foundation layers, overloading, and poor drainage systems beneath the surface.
Engineer Zubair Ali, part of the inspection team, shared:
“This road has not seen any major repair work in over six years. Repeated pressure from overloaded trucks, especially transporting bricks and cement, has weakened its structure.”
The situation worsened after recent rains, which further eroded the ground beneath the road, making it vulnerable to collapse.
Impact on Transport and Local Life
The road is a key connection point between Arifwala and nearby towns such as Pakpattan, Burewala, and Sahiwal. With this route closed, buses, trucks, and rickshaws have been forced to take long detours, adding both time and fuel costs.
Shopkeepers and business owners near the site have seen a sharp drop in customer visits, and delivery services have been severely delayed.
Muhammad Shabbir, a local shopkeeper, said:
“There’s no footfall. People don’t want to walk across the rubble, and vehicles can’t come through. We’re already suffering due to inflation—this is making it worse.”
Commuters have also expressed frustration over the lack of alternative arrangements. School vans and office goers were stuck in long lines until traffic police began diverting vehicles.
Emergency Response and Repairs
Soon after the collapse, local authorities cordoned off the area and placed warning signs to prevent further accidents. Temporary barriers were installed to stop vehicles from entering the danger zone.
Assistant Commissioner Arifwala, Ms. Sana Tariq, assured citizens that repair work would begin immediately.
“We have directed the concerned departments to begin road restoration as early as possible. Engineers have been instructed to prepare a temporary bypass within 48 hours,” she stated during a press briefing.
Heavy machinery arrived at the site in the afternoon, and excavation work started to assess the depth of the damage. However, officials said full restoration may take up to two weeks, depending on the weather and availability of materials.
Public Reaction and Safety Concerns
Residents are angry over what they call “criminal negligence” by local bodies. Social media is flooded with photos and videos of the collapsed road, with users calling for strict action against those responsible for ignoring early signs of damage.
One Twitter user wrote:
“This road had potholes for months. Why wait for a disaster before acting? Who will take responsibility?”
There is growing concern about other roads in the area that also show signs of wear and tear. Locals are demanding a comprehensive inspection of all major roads in Arifwala to prevent similar incidents.
Expert Opinions and Long-Term Solutions
Urban development experts say that many roads in smaller cities like Arifwala are not built to handle heavy transport traffic. They stress the need for regular maintenance, proper drainage systems, and enforcement of load limits.
Dr. Fawad Hussain, a civil engineer from Lahore, notes:
“Our roads aren’t designed for the kind of weight modern trucks carry. Without investment in infrastructure and routine inspections, such collapses will become more frequent.”
He recommends the following long-term solutions:
- Strict regulation of overloaded trucks
- Annual inspections of main roads
- Improved stormwater drainage systems
Government’s Response
The Punjab Government has asked for a detailed report on the Arifwala road collapse. Sources from the Punjab Highway Department said that they are considering launching a city-wide survey to identify and fix weak roads before the monsoon intensifies.
Local MPA Riaz Ahmed arrived at the scene to meet residents impacted by the road collapse and listen to their concerns firsthand. He promised that a special fund would be approved to repair the road and upgrade the surrounding infrastructure.
“We will not only rebuild this road but also ensure that all key routes in Arifwala are upgraded, he told reporters.
Conclusion
The road collapse in Arifwala is a serious reminder of the fragile state of public infrastructure in many smaller cities of Pakistan. It has not only disrupted transportation but also affected businesses and daily routines. Citizens are hopeful that this incident will finally push the authorities to act with urgency—and responsibility.
