Pimpri-Chinchwad’s roads are showing the toll of an unusually early monsoon, with hundreds of potholes resurfacing across the city and its suburbs. The municipal administration has assured residents that all damaged roads will be repaired before Diwali. According to official data, the city has recorded 4,065 potholes during this year’s monsoon, of which 3,696 have already been filled. Only 582 potholes remain pending.
The torrential rains began in May, roughly a month earlier than usual, accelerating road degradation across the twin cities. Roads vary in width from 12 to 80 feet and span over 2,073 kilometres, comprising asphalt and cement concrete surfaces. Despite municipal claims that the majority of potholes have been repaired using tar, cold mix, BBM, gravel, paving blocks, and cement concrete, residents note that many roads remain perilously damaged, slowing traffic and increasing accident risks for two-wheelers. Infrastructure development has compounded traffic woes. Work is ongoing on multiple roads, including Rakshak Chowk near Sangvi, Kunal Icon Road in Pimple Saudagar, Dutta Mandir Road in Wakad, and the Old Mumbai-Pune Highway from Chinchwad to Nigdi. Metro construction on service roads between Nigdi and Chinchwad has left deep potholes unfilled. Despite repeated requests from the PCMC to the Metro authorities, pothole repair on these routes has been delayed pending traffic diversions.
Residents express growing frustration over the slow pace of permanent repairs. Many highlight that temporary fixes are prone to damage with the next rainfall, questioning long-term accountability. “Potholes are everywhere, and road conditions worsen commuting. Filling them is critical for safety and reducing vehicle wear,” said a local resident. PCMC officials, however, remain optimistic that work will accelerate as rainfall subsides. Joint City Engineer, an official, noted, “Of the 4,065 potholes identified, 3,696 have been repaired. With rains easing, work is proceeding faster. All remaining potholes will be addressed before Diwali to ensure safe and smooth commuting.”
The administration is under pressure to deliver sustainable and durable road repairs while coordinating with ongoing metro and infrastructural projects. Public expectation is high, with residents calling for accountability, transparent reporting, and long-term solutions to reduce recurring road damage.
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