The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation has started repairing potholes and damaged road surfaces on key routes used for the arrival, transport and immersion of Ganesh idols ahead of the festival, with officials prioritising roads expected to carry large idols and processions.
The civic body is currently using mastic geopolymer and cold-mix materials to fill potholes because monsoon conditions do not allow regular bitumen work. Permanent asphalt resurfacing will be undertaken after a sufficient break in the rain, the municipal administration said, while temporary repairs are being carried out to address immediate safety concerns.
Municipal commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde inspected the condition of roads last week and directed officials to complete necessary repairs on an urgent basis. Following those instructions, the engineering department formed area-wise teams under the guidance of city engineer Shirish Ardawad. Executive engineers and other engineering staff have been inspecting roads in their respective jurisdictions through a road-patrolling exercise.
The inspection is covering more than potholes. Officials are recording damaged road surfaces, uneven sections, the condition of stormwater drains and the position of utility covers. Potholes identified during the exercise are being geotagged before repair, according to the report. The civic body has said that the inspections are intended to identify locations that could obstruct the movement of large idols or create risks during immersion processions.
The priority routes are expected to see substantial movement during the festival, including the transport of large Ganesh idols and gatherings of residents accompanying immersion processions. Uneven surfaces, open or poorly aligned utility covers and water-related damage can create difficulties for vehicles and pedestrians, particularly on roads used during high-footfall events.
In addition to road repairs, the municipal administration is preparing for cleaning operations, street lighting at required locations and facilities at immersion points. The civic measures are being undertaken as part of the broader arrangements for the festival, with traffic movement and public safety identified as key operational concerns.
Mayor Sujata Patil and Commissioner Shinde have appealed to residents to ensure that unnecessary obstructions are not created on roads during the festival. The civic leadership has also appealed for an environment-friendly and plastic-free celebration.
The municipal corporation has stated that temporary pothole repairs will continue during the monsoon and that permanent asphalt work will follow once the rains provide a suitable window. The next stage of the road programme will therefore depend on weather conditions and the completion of inspections across the city.
