Despite substantial financial investments and proactive measures by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to mitigate pothole-related issues, Mumbai continues to grapple with a pervasive problem affecting commuters and motorists alike.
The civic body, allocated INR 275 crore ahead of this year’s monsoon season for pothole repairs, finds itself in the spotlight amid escalating complaints from residents and critiques from traffic authorities. Mumbai endured over 59,533 potholes in 2023, reflecting a persistent challenge exacerbated by the city’s unpredictable monsoon climate. Despite BMC’s claim of a swift response time of three hours to pothole complaints, concerns remain over the durability of repair efforts. Senior traffic officials assert that each pothole is filled up to eight times per month on average, underscoring the transient nature of BMC’s interventions when faced with inclement weather conditions.
Criticism has not been limited to public dissatisfaction alone; legal scrutiny has intensified with advocates advocating for stringent accountability measures against contractors responsible for road maintenance. The issue has sparked debates over citizen rights, invoking Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, amidst claims of increased accidents and vehicle damage due to substandard road conditions. BMC officials have defended their strategies, citing meticulous tender allocations totaling approximately INR 500 crore across different zones and road categories. However, operational challenges persist, with reports of delays in contractor compliance and recurrent pothole formations despite ongoing efforts to concretize roads.
Mumbai Traffic Police, often compelled to intervene directly in pothole repairs, highlight the operational complexities faced daily. The Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) has described the situation as chronic, necessitating frequent traffic diversions and safety measures to mitigate risks associated with deteriorating road conditions. While BMC’s commitment to a 24-hour pothole repair window underscores its proactive stance, the efficacy of such measures remains questionable amidst recurring complaints. As Mumbai navigates its infrastructure challenges, stakeholders call for sustained efforts towards systemic improvements in road maintenance to alleviate public inconvenience and ensure safer urban mobility.
