Pune: The state of Ganeshkhind Road in Pune has become so dire that it is now sarcastically compared to the surface of the moon. Both sides of the road are dotted with large potholes surrounded by gravel and mud, debunking the Pune Municipal Corporation's claims of effective pothole repairs.
Heavy rains have exacerbated the situation, causing floods in riverbank areas. While ministers and political leaders have been busy comforting flood victims and promising compensation, they have overlooked the severe pothole problem that plagues the city's roads.
The potholes not only trouble drivers but also significantly affect traffic flow, an issue conveniently ignored by the administration and leaders.
Ganeshkhind Road is one of the worst affected, with numerous large potholes on both sides. The futile attempts to fill these potholes with gravel have been washed away by rain, leading to accidents as two-wheelers get stuck in the water-filled holes and gravel piles.
Critical points such as Senapati Bapat Road Junction, Range Hills Corner, Khairenagar, and Central Mall are particularly difficult to navigate, impacting residents of Pimpri-Chinchwad and Pune.
Moreover, recent digging at Range Hills Corner has added to the problem, worsening traffic congestion. The alternative road from the Agricultural College is also in poor condition, forcing drivers to maneuver carefully.
The municipal corporation's road department is responsible for repairing these potholes. Teams are actively identifying potholes in different areas and prioritizing scientific repair methods.
However, the municipal corporation's claims of extensive pothole repairs seem hollow as major roads remain in terrible condition, indicating an even worse state for internal roads.
The roads in Baner, such as Pashan Fata, Sakal Nagar, Mahabaleshwar Hotel to the new passport office, Balewadi, Pashan Road, Khadki to Aundh Road, Bopodi to Harris Bridge, Kothrud, Vanaz area, Bajirao Road, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Road, Swargate, Narveer Tanaji Malusare Road (Sinhagad Road), Pune-Bangalore Road, Katraj, Kondhwa, Fursungi, Hadapsar, Yerawada, Vishrantwadi, and various other areas are in a deplorable condition.
Despite the municipal corporation's claims of repairing potholes, major roads still have large potholes. If the condition of major roads is this bad, the state of internal roads is likely to be even worse.
