The Diamond Water Park road connecting Lohgaon and Wagholi in Pune remains damaged four months after civic works, with deep potholes, mud, exposed stones and uneven surfaces creating a safety risk for commuters, school buses and local residents.
The road was excavated for water-supply and drainage pipeline work, but the dug-up sections were not properly restored after the work. Instead of being resurfaced with asphalt or concrete, parts of the road were filled with soil, leaving the route particularly difficult to use during the rains.
The road is used every day by school buses, two-wheeler riders, local residents, office workers and visitors travelling to Diamond Water Park. The potholes, loose stones and muddy stretches have led to traffic congestion and increased the risk of accidents. Two-wheeler riders face additional difficulty because the surface becomes slippery in wet conditions.
Student Sai Vetal told Civic Mirror that he fell twice in August while travelling on the road because of the mud. He said the large potholes, exposed stones and uneven surface made it difficult to control his vehicle. Vetal also reported an accident involving a woman travelling with two children on a two-wheeler. The three fell after the rider lost control on the slippery road and sustained injuries, according to his account.
Local resident Vijay Kakade said schoolgirls and their grandparents had also reportedly slipped and fallen in the mud. Residents say schoolchildren, senior citizens and two-wheeler users are among those most exposed to the road’s condition, with even short journeys becoming difficult and unsafe.
Civic Mirror reported that Assistant Municipal Commissioner and ward officer Sanjay Pol said funds had been approved some time ago for repairing the road. Pol also said more information would be provided about the repair work. The report did not specify the approved amount or a confirmed date for the start or completion of the repairs.
Residents say the continuing damage is also affecting vehicle maintenance and daily travel costs. Arjun Gupta, a resident of Dwarka Nagar, said more than 1,000 families, three major schools and visitors to the water park use the route. He said vehicles were being damaged, fuel costs were rising and auto-rickshaw and cab drivers were reportedly reluctant to enter the area because of the road condition.
Gupta said the road has an approved width of 24 metres, but only about 15 to 20 metres is currently available for use. The reduced usable width contributes to congestion during busy periods, residents said. They have also raised concerns that ambulances and fire engines could face delays during an emergency.
Residents are seeking immediate temporary repairs to level the road if permanent asphalt or concrete work cannot begin at once. They have urged the civic administration to complete the restoration before further accidents occur and to provide a confirmed implementation timeline for the approved repair work.
