Pune: The roads in Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park, once celebrated as an 'IT hub,' are now in a deplorable state. Large potholes and severe traffic congestion plague employees of major multinational companies in the area.
With some companies mandating office attendance, IT employees are spending hours to travel just 4-5 kilometers during the rainy season. The roads, which resemble rivers during rains, and the potholes causing traffic jams have led to the area being dubbed 'pothole city.'
Metro Construction Adds to Road Woes
The ongoing construction of the Hinjawadi to Shivajinagar metro line has further deteriorated the roads. While the metro aims to ease traffic congestion, most IT employees living in areas like Ravet, Wakad, and Punawale will not benefit from this route. Employees demand better road conditions if metro convenience is not available.
Lack of Coordination Delays Repairs
The division of responsibility among different administrative bodies—Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, Public Works Department, MIDC, and the village panchayat—has led to delays in road repairs. The lack of coordination among these bodies exacerbates the situation.
"For the past few months, our 'work from home' has been permanently canceled, requiring me to travel to Hinjawadi five days a week. The continuous rain and pothole-ridden roads make it dangerous to travel by two-wheeler.
Traveling by car or using services like Ola or Uber means dealing with hours of traffic. The administrative bodies don't seem to be paying attention to this," said a female IT employee.
"The road from Bhumkar Chowk to Kasturi Chowk falls within the municipal limits. There are not many potholes on this road, and work has begun on those that exist.
Currently, due to the ongoing rain, potholes are being filled with gravel, paver blocks, and jet patcher technology. Tenders have also been issued for repairs," said Shekhar Singh, Commissioner, Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation.
