GMDA finds leak behind IFFCO Chowk sinkhole; repairs to take 5-6 more days

GMDA has identified a leak beneath the sinkhole at IFFCO Chowk after pumping sewage from the damaged line for nearly three days. The authority expects road repairs to take another five to six days.

A sewage drain collapsed on the Delhi-to-Jaipur service lane at IFFCO Chowk, creating the cave-in. Two service lanes were barricaded, affecting commuters on the stretch; diversions had already been announced.

GMDA has begun excavating around the damaged pipeline and plans to install steel-plate shuttering to prevent further collapse. It will replace 20 metres of pipeline beneath the sinkhole. Another 100 metres of line towards MG Road will be strengthened using machine-wound spiral lining technology.

NHAI is working with GMDA to restore the road. GMDA also plans to rehabilitate the sewer line between IFFCO Chowk and Sikanderpur at an estimated cost of about ₹9 crore.

Separately, the authority has floated an ₹8 crore tender to strengthen an ageing master sewer pipeline between Bakhtawar Chowk and the Sector 46-47 crossing, along with desilting work in several sectors.