13 February 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : An all-weather swimming pool in Ludhiana, touted as a major boost to the city’s sports and recreational infrastructure, has remained closed to the public for months despite being fully constructed and declared ready. The prolonged delay has sparked frustration among residents, athletes, and fitness enthusiasts, who question why a completed public facility continues to lie unused.
The modern indoor pool, designed to function throughout the year regardless of weather conditions, was developed with the aim of promoting swimming as both a sport and a fitness activity. Equipped with temperature-controlled water, modern filtration systems, and basic training infrastructure, the facility was expected to cater to school students, professional swimmers, and the general public alike.
However, even after the completion of civil works and installation of key equipment, the pool has not been formally inaugurated or opened for public use. Officials maintain that “procedural issues” are responsible for the delay, but critics argue that bureaucratic inertia and lack of coordination are depriving citizens of a much-needed public amenity.
According to sources in the civic administration, the project has been ready for operational use for several months. Trial runs of the filtration and heating systems have reportedly been conducted, and no major technical shortcomings have been flagged. Despite this, the final clearance required to open the facility has not been granted.
Residents living in the surrounding areas say the closed pool has become a symbol of wasted public resources. “The building is complete, the pool is filled, and everything looks ready. Still, the gates remain locked,” said a local resident. “Public money has already been spent. Keeping it unused only adds to the loss.”
Sports trainers and swimming coaches have also expressed disappointment. Many say Ludhiana lacks adequate year-round swimming facilities, forcing aspiring swimmers to either travel long distances or abandon training during extreme weather conditions. The all-weather pool was seen as a solution to this long-standing problem.
“This facility could have been a game-changer for young swimmers,” said a local coach. “Instead, it’s just sitting there. Valuable training time is being lost, especially for children preparing for competitions.”
Officials from the municipal administration have cited pending formalities, including staff appointments, operational contracts, and safety certifications, as reasons for the delay. Some officers have pointed to the absence of a finalized operating model—whether the pool will be run directly by the civic body or outsourced to a private agency.
Administrative experts note that such delays are not uncommon in public infrastructure projects. “Construction is often prioritised, but planning for operations is treated as an afterthought,” said an urban governance analyst. “As a result, facilities remain underutilised despite being physically complete.”
The delay has also raised concerns about maintenance. Swimming pools require constant monitoring and upkeep, even when not in use. Prolonged inactivity can lead to deterioration of equipment, water quality issues, and increased maintenance costs once operations finally begin.
Opposition leaders and civil society groups have demanded accountability, urging the authorities to set a clear timeline for opening the pool. Some have called for a public explanation detailing the exact reasons for the delay and the steps being taken to resolve them.
“This is not just about a swimming pool,” said a civic activist. “It reflects a larger problem of governance, where projects are announced and completed on paper, but citizens do not benefit from them.”
Parents of school-going children have also voiced concern, pointing out that swimming is not only a sport but an essential life skill. With rising incidents of drowning across the state, access to proper swimming training facilities has become increasingly important.
In response to growing criticism, senior officials have assured that the matter is under review and that the pool will be opened “soon.” However, no definitive date has been announced so far, adding to public skepticism.
Urban planners argue that timely utilisation of public infrastructure is crucial for building trust between citizens and authorities. “When people see completed projects lying idle, it erodes confidence in public institutions,” said a planner familiar with municipal projects in Punjab.
As Ludhiana continues to expand and modernise, residents believe that efficient management of existing facilities should be a priority alongside new development projects. For now, the all-weather swimming pool stands ready—but unused—waiting for administrative action to finally bring it to life.
Summary
Ludhiana’s all-weather swimming pool has remained closed for months despite being ready, frustrating residents and athletes and raising concerns over administrative delays, accountability, and wasted public resources.