The city’s civic administration has sanctioned ₹15 crore for the restoration and maintenance of nearly 50 kilometres of major city roads.
The initiative will employ advanced micro-surfacing technology to ensure longer-lasting, cost-effective repairs that can withstand seasonal damage, according to senior officials from the road department of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). Following pointed feedback from state-level authorities and top constitutional offices about deteriorating road conditions in parts of the city, the road department has accelerated its maintenance strategy. The revamped initiative, which builds upon the earlier successful repair of 15 stretches, now targets an additional 17 roads as part of a broader mission to improve commuting experience and civic quality of life in Pune.
Officials familiar with the project stated that the city will be divided into two operational zones—east and west—for efficient implementation. Each zone will see tenders worth ₹7.5 crore floated in the coming weeks. The tenders have already received clearance from the municipal estimates committee, clearing the way for execution to begin swiftly. Micro-surfacing, the method at the core of this effort, has previously been deployed on key corridors including Senapati Bapat Road, and has proven successful in preserving surface integrity for up to four years. According to civic engineers, the technique creates a protective layer that shields road surfaces from water seepage, pothole formation, and premature wear.
“Micro-surfacing is not only economical but also highly efficient. Roads treated with this technique have shown excellent performance even after seven years, reducing the need for frequent maintenance,” stated a senior PMC official overseeing the project. The resurfacing is expected to cover approximately 3.80 lakh square metres in total. Using data from the Road Asset Management System, the civic body has conducted comprehensive surveys to assess road conditions and prioritise repairs. The findings have led to a calibrated plan to undertake preventive work before the onset of heavy rainfall, thereby avoiding last-minute emergency repairs that are often more expensive and less effective.
In line with Pune’s evolving urban strategy, the repair plan reflects a shift towards more sustainable and data-driven infrastructure management. Civic authorities have underlined the need to adopt environmentally conscious practices and resilient materials in roadworks, particularly as climate variability continues to impact urban infrastructure more frequently and intensely. The initiative is also part of a wider focus on reducing carbon-intensive interventions. By using maintenance methods that extend road life, the PMC aims to reduce the frequency of repairs, which in turn lowers fuel emissions from construction equipment and avoids large-scale asphalt resurfacing. Such practices are aligned with the city’s sustainability commitments and urban climate goals.
Experts in urban planning believe the move represents an important milestone in mainstreaming lifecycle-based infrastructure planning. “Efforts such as these represent the next frontier in civic governance—where maintenance is seen as an investment rather than an afterthought,” commented a researcher with a sustainable cities think tank. However, success will ultimately depend on implementation efficiency, contractor accountability, and civic monitoring. The PMC has committed to deploying quality assurance teams to oversee the work, and citizens are being encouraged to use the PMC grievance portal to report poor execution or negligence during repairs. In a city where road conditions have historically been a major source of public dissatisfaction and commuter risk, the initiative holds the promise of meaningful change. While the upcoming monsoon will serve as a litmus test for the new techniques, the groundwork laid this season could set the template for future smart infrastructure interventions in Pune.
As the city readies itself for seasonal challenges, the PMC’s latest move signals a shift towards more deliberate, performance-focused urban governance—one where sustainability, durability, and citizen experience go hand in hand.
Also Read : https://urbanacres.in/pune-urban-revamp-includes-24-7-water-supply-and-road-expansion/
