Road cave-in disrupts traffic in central Delhi

New Delhi, Feb 16 (PTI) In the second such incident in asmany days, a portion of a road caved in at a central Delhiarea today, affecting traffic for several hours.

A part of Mathura Road in front of Delhi Zoo gave in dueto leak and bursting of a water pipeline, an official of PWD,under which the road falls, said. A pit of about five-metrediameter was created due to the road collapse which alsocaused traffic disruption for five-six hours.

The official said the road was repaired by evening.

A Traffic Police official said plying of vehicles wasrestored in the area after the pit was covered.

This is the second incident of such cave-in at a centralDelhi area in as many days. Yesterday, a portion of HaileyRoad near Kasturba Gandhi Marg caved in during rains, thesecond time since February 8.

According to New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), that roadcollapsed after "trenchless digging" damaged a pipelineunderneath. A five-ft-deep crater was formed and trafficpolice had to barricade the road to divert traffic.

In trenchless digging, only the sides of the road are dugto lay pipelines or other utilities instead of cutting theentire road open. This technology is preferred as it does notaffect traffic much but it often leads to damage to otherpipelines below the road.