PMC Roads
“We have sought daily updates on road repairs and resurfacing from executive engineers and all 15 ward offices. “So far, resurfacing work has covered nearly 5,000sqm, while more than 350 damaged locations have been repaired using paver blocks.
The repair work is continuing even during night hours to minimise inconvenience to commuters,” Rajesh Bankar, head of PMC’s road department, said. A break in rain could significantly speed up the work,” an official said. PMC is using both hot mix and cold mix technologies for repairs, according to Bankar. Contractors have also been instructed to photograph completed work as proof of progress,” he said. Many repaired sections fail to blend with the existing road surface, creating fresh rough patches and eventually leading to further damage,” he said.
The urgency followed instructions from mayor Manjusha Nagpure amid mounting complaints from citizens struggling daily with potholes, broken surfaces and traffic snarls caused by the deteriorating road network. officials admitted that the coming fortnight would be crucial While PMC’s road department has yet to determine the exact number of potholes and damaged stretches that need attention. “Our immediate focus is on patchwork and resurfacing of heavily damaged roads. The administration has urged citizens to report potholes directly to their respective ward offices. Civic activist Vivek Velankar questioned the effectiveness of such repair drives, arguing that they often raised concerns about the quality of work. “We hear announcements of intensive road repair campaigns every year, but the real issue is quality. Poor patchwork often begins to crumble within days.
Many frequent road users, however, remain sceptical about whether PMC can complete the mammoth task before the city plunges into Ganeshotsav celebrations.
Opposition Critiques PMC’s Road Repair Efforts Ahead of Ganesh Festival
Leaders from the opposition within the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) have intensified their criticism regarding the quality of road repairs in the city. They emphasize the need for accountability, particularly as the Ganesh festival approaches, which has led to increased public concern about the adequacy of the repairs.
Vinod Rokade, an activist from Bopodi, stated, “The authorities cannot keep blaming continuous rainfall for the condition of Pune’s roads. PMC must closely monitor the quality of materials being used.” With pandals already being erected across the city, there are doubts about whether all necessary repair work can be completed within the next 15 days.