Navi Mumbai | September 6, 2026
The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation has started repairing potholes and damaged road surfaces on routes used for Ganesh idol arrival, processions and immersion ahead of Ganeshotsav, according to a report by Loksatta – Navi Mumbai. The civic body has prioritised roads carrying large idols, immersion processions and other major traffic corridors to reduce obstructions during the festival.
The repairs are being carried out using mastic geopolymer and cold mix because asphalt resurfacing is not considered feasible during the monsoon. The municipal corporation said permanent bituminous resurfacing will be taken up after a break in rainfall.
The work follows directions issued by Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation Commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde after he inspected road conditions in the city last week. Under the guidance of city engineer Shirish Ardavad, the engineering department formed area-wise teams to inspect roads and identify locations requiring immediate repairs.
The inspection teams included executive engineers and other engineering officials responsible for their respective areas. The road-patrolling exercise covered more than potholes. Officials also examined damaged surfaces, uneven stretches, stormwater drainage conditions and covers belonging to various utility services, the report said.
Potholes identified during the inspections are being geotagged before repair. The civic body has said that temporary repairs are necessary during the rainy period, while permanent asphalt work will follow once weather conditions allow. The report did not specify the number of roads, potholes or locations included in the current repair programme.
The road repairs are linked to the expected movement of large Ganesh idols and crowds during processions and immersion activities. The municipal corporation is giving particular attention to stretches where potholes, uneven surfaces or raised and sunken utility covers could obstruct vehicles or pedestrians. Large idols and processions can require additional road clearance and coordinated movement, making the condition of these routes a focus of the pre-festival preparations.
Alongside road repairs, the civic administration is preparing for cleaning operations, street lighting at required locations and facilities at immersion sites. These arrangements are being undertaken as part of the wider festival preparations, according to the report.
The mayor, Sujata Patil, and Commissioner Shinde have appealed to residents to avoid creating unnecessary obstructions on roads during Ganeshotsav. They have also called for an environmentally responsible and plastic-free celebration.
The immediate repairs are intended to address road defects during the monsoon. The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation has stated that permanent bituminous resurfacing at the repaired locations will be carried out after rainfall subsides.
