Mumbai’s long-standing battle with potholes has once again drawn sharp attention, with officials directing the civic body to intensify road repair works before Ganeshotsav. The intervention comes as citizens have lodged nearly 8,000 pothole complaints this year, highlighting the urgency for safer and smoother roads during the city’s busiest festive season.
Senior government officials confirmed that the civic commissioner has been instructed to accelerate ongoing work and ensure that potholes are filled before the festival rush begins. The move is intended to minimise traffic snarls, reduce vehicle damage, and provide relief to commuters who routinely grapple with crumbling road conditions during the monsoon.Interestingly, the city’s civic body has taken an unusual stand this year. Officials stated that potholes will be repaired across all stretches, even on roads technically maintained by other agencies. “Instead of passing responsibility from one authority to another, the civic body will fix potholes wherever required,” a senior official said, underlining a more citizen-centric approach.
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Mumbai’s road network spans over 2,000 kilometres, with close to 1,250 kilometres already concreted under a multi-year plan to make the city pothole-free. Yet, monsoon showers continue to expose gaps in execution, leaving motorists to battle with uneven surfaces. Officials argue that the scale of the challenge lies not only in the number of potholes but also in the complexity of the city’s multi-agency road management system.
In an effort to streamline citizen engagement, the civic body launched the Pothole QuickFix app, enabling users to report road damage in real time. A dedicated team of over 200 engineers has been assigned to inspect roads daily, ensuring timely responses. This year, more than 25,000 metric tonnes of mastic asphalt have already been deployed for pothole repairs and preventive maintenance. While officials claim the requirement has been lower compared to previous years, the complaints pouring in suggest public frustration remains high.Contractors have also been directed to deploy advanced technologies for longer-lasting repairs.
Experts point out that the frequent re-emergence of potholes highlights the need for greater reliance on concrete roads and innovative materials that can withstand monsoon stress. With Mumbai preparing for Ganeshotsav, one of its most vibrant festivals that brings millions of people onto the streets, the pressure on authorities to deliver is greater than ever.For citizens, the promise of pothole-free roads before the festival remains a critical expectation. While this year’s push reflects greater accountability and urgency, transport experts caution that only consistent planning, stronger execution, and durable materials can ensure Mumbai moves closer to its long-pending ambition of a permanently pothole-free network.
