Pune: Despite the presence of numerous renowned IT companies with luxurious offices generating substantial revenue for the municipal corporation and local governing bodies, IT professionals commuting to Hinjewadi are severely troubled by the countless potholes that appear on the roads every monsoon.
The poor quality of road construction, temporary repairs, and difficulties faced while driving contribute to worsening traffic congestion. The numerous potholes on internal and service roads have become a significant concern for residents.
For years, the service roads on both sides of the Kiwale to Wakad section of the Katraj-Dehu Road bypass have been in disrepair. Despite repeated follow-ups, residents complain that no concrete action has been taken by the National Highways Authority or the municipal corporation.
The service roads from Wakad to Kiwale fall under the jurisdiction of the National Highways Authority, and the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation points to the authority when asked about repairing these roads.
Meanwhile, the National Highways Authority remains indifferent to the issue. Parts of Hinjewadi fall within the jurisdiction of the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, which is responsible for developing the roads there, while some roads are under the jurisdiction of MIDC, PMRDA, and the Public Works Department. Residents have to constantly follow up with various administrative departments to get the roads repaired.
Sachin Londhe, Secretary, Pimpri-Chinchwad Housing Federation said, “We have been following up for many years to get these service roads repaired, but NHAI's policy on this matter is indifferent.”
An IT engineer said, “I live in Hinjewadi, and I have to face bad roads daily while going to my office. The roads leading to Laxmi Chowk are so bad that we wonder if we are working in an IT park or not.”
Amit Bhatia, Project Manager, Pune-Satara Highway says, “The service road work from Wakad to Kiwale will be completed soon. The rains have hindered the work, but it will be completed as soon as the rains stop.”
Nitin Wankhede, Chief Engineer, Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation stated, “If we receive complaints about these roads, we immediately carry out the necessary repairs.”