Pune rain disrupted traffic across several parts of the city after heavy showers on Sunday night were followed by moderate rain on Monday morning, leaving key roads waterlogged and potholes hidden beneath standing water during the peak commuting hours.
The disruption affected office-goers, students and motorists in areas including the Ruby Hall Clinic vicinity, Shastrinagar, Ramwadi and Bund Garden. Water accumulated on several roads, slowing vehicles and making it difficult for commuters to judge the depth of potholes. The report said some roads remained difficult to navigate until around noon, although conditions gradually improved after the rain eased.
Shivajinagar recorded 41.1 millimetres of rain on Sunday night and another 10.9 millimetres on Monday morning. Other reported rainfall totals included 30.5 millimetres at Magarpatta and 16 millimetres on Monday morning, 35 millimetres in Haveli and 13 millimetres in the morning, and 35.5 millimetres in Hadapsar followed by 4 millimetres. Dhamdhere recorded 39.5 millimetres overnight and 43 millimetres in the morning.
The report attributed the wider weather change to a cyclone-like system formed over the Bay of Bengal, which has been affecting weather conditions in Maharashtra. It said light to moderate rain, cloudy skies, thunderstorms and lightning were expected in the region on November 3 and 4, while partly cloudy conditions were forecast for November 5.
For motorists, the immediate hazard was not only the waterlogging but also the condition of the roads beneath it. At Bund Garden, residents said potholes became difficult to see once they filled with rainwater, increasing the risk of accidents and vehicle damage. Traffic moved slowly in several parts of the city as drivers attempted to avoid submerged road defects.
Commuters also questioned the effectiveness of Pune Municipal Corporation’s monsoon preparedness. The civic body carries out pre-monsoon drain cleaning and undertakes stormwater drainage and pipeline works, including projects issued through tenders. However, residents cited the repeated waterlogging of important roads as evidence that the performance of the existing drainage network remains a concern.
Anil Kate, who travels through the Ruby Hall area, said residents continue to face waterlogging despite annual spending on monsoon preparations. Rita Shah, a regular user of the Bund Garden road, said potholes become especially dangerous during rain and called for proper repairs rather than temporary patchwork. Kinjal Yadav, who travels towards Ramwadi for work in the information technology sector, said waterlogging and damaged roads make journey times unpredictable.
Residents in Shastrinagar also said they often have to walk through dirty water and that two-wheeler riders face the risk of falling into submerged potholes. They urged the municipal administration to address recurring water accumulation and road damage through on-ground measures. The forecast of further rain and thunderstorms on November 3 and 4 means commuters may continue to face disruption in low-lying areas and on roads where drainage and surface repairs remain unresolved.
