Pune: The city's roads have taken a severe hit due to the monsoon rains, causing major inconvenience for the residents. Potholes, combined with accumulated water and surrounding gravel and soil, are causing frequent accidents, particularly affecting bikers.
Despite the urgency, the municipal corporation has been slow in accelerating the pothole repair work, drawing criticism from the public.
The disrepair is not limited to the central parts of Pune but extends to suburban areas as well.
Major roads and internal lanes in areas like Peth, Katraj, Ambegaon, Narveer Tanaji Malusare Road (Sinhagad Road), Model Colony, Swargate, Hadapsar, Cantonment, Kothrud, Karvenagar, Khadki, Bopodi, Aundh, Baner, Pashan, Kondhwa, Mundhwa, Koregaon Park, Wadgaon Sheri, and Yerawada are plagued with potholes.
Drivers are finding it challenging to navigate through these damaged roads.
While the municipal corporation has deployed maintenance and repair vans to address some of the potholes, the sheer number of potholes means that the repairs are progressing at a slow pace.
In the Model Colony area, the potholes are causing rainwater to accumulate, leading to accidents involving bikers. Citizens like Kiran Sakhare are calling for immediate repair of these dangerous potholes.
The residents of Pune continue to await swift action from the municipal authorities to ensure safer roads and prevent further accidents.
In response, Aniruddha Pavaskar, the head of the municipal corporation's road department, stated that the potholes identified during inspections and citizen complaints are being addressed promptly.
Despite difficulties in obtaining asphalt from the hot mix plant, the available asphalt is being used to repair the potholes scientifically. Pavaskar assured that any reported potholes would receive immediate attention.
