The Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) road department has launched an intensive campaign to address the burgeoning pothole crisis. The initiative comes in the wake of widespread public inconvenience and criticism over the subpar quality of previous roadworks, exacerbated by the relentless monsoon downpours.
The urgency of the situation was underscored by a recent visit from a Union minister, who inspected the deteriorating road conditions and held a critical meeting with municipal officials. Expressing dissatisfaction with the administration’s performance, the minister’s reprimand prompted the PMC to intensify its efforts to repair the city’s roads. Starting on Saturday night, the road department, under the leadership of the chief engineer, mobilised a dedicated team of engineers and workers to undertake a comprehensive pothole-filling operation. The campaign, which involved the use of concrete to ensure a more durable fix, was conducted overnight, from 10 PM to 6 AM, to minimise disruption to daily traffic.
In a remarkable feat, the department claimed to have filled 478 potholes across various main roads and key junctions, identified in coordination with the police department. Patchwork was completed at 22 critical locations, with police officers providing logistical support to manage traffic and ensure the safety of the work crews. The municipal commissioner spearheaded the initiative, highlighting the administration’s commitment to swiftly resolving the road infrastructure issues that have plagued the city. The campaign’s success has led to plans for a similar operation on Sunday night, with the road department aiming to address as many potholes as possible.
This concerted effort by the PMC comes as a response to mounting public frustration and criticism over the poor quality of road maintenance. The rapid deterioration of the city’s roads has not only caused significant inconvenience to residents but has also raised concerns about the long-term durability of infrastructural investments. The PMC’s prompt action reflects an acknowledgment of these concerns and a determination to restore public confidence in the city’s infrastructure management. As the monsoon season continues, the effectiveness of these emergency repairs will be closely monitored, with further actions likely to be implemented as needed.
