With the onset of the monsoon looming, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has earmarked Rs 30 crore for urgent road repairs and pothole filling across the city. Amidst adherence to Lok Sabha election guidelines until the end of May, PMC accelerates efforts to ensure essential pre-monsoon preparations are completed.
PMC grapples with the immense challenge of maintaining and repairing over 1,400 kilometers of roads, of which 900 kilometers are tarred. Recurring complaints from citizens regarding potholes and substandard patchwork quality add to the pressure on municipal authorities. The continuous excavation for utility pipelines further compounds road damage, necessitating frequent repairs.
Last year, PMC allocated Rs 300 crore for significant road repair projects, successfully completing work on 100 kilometers of roads. However, the tendering process for this year’s projects has faced delays due to election protocols, despite substantial funding being allocated in the 2024-25 budget.
Expressing the urgency of the situation, Shirish Kendre, a resident of Wanowrie, remarked, “The roads are in a very poor condition, and immediate repairs are imperative.”
Sahebrao Dandge, the superintending engineer of PMC’s road department, confirmed the issuance of 60 tenders totaling Rs 30 crore. These tenders will primarily focus on asphalt work and pothole filling to ensure smoother road surfaces before the arrival of monsoon rains. Dandge assured that the allocated work will be completed before the onset of the monsoon, providing temporary relief to weary commuters.
