Pune: The Lohegaon-Wagholi road, Dhanori road, Vadgaon Shinde road, and Nirgudi road have turned into a bumpy nightmare for commuters due to the relentless monsoon rains that have caused large potholes to emerge on these major thoroughfares.
The deteriorating road conditions have led to severe traffic congestion, making the daily commute a harrowing experience for drivers and citizens alike. As the situation worsens, frustrated citizens are now demanding immediate action from the Road Department of the Pune Municipal Corporation to mend the broken roads.
It has been five years since Lohgaon was brought under the Pune Municipal Corporation’s purview, but the roads in the area have suffered from neglect. The Lohegaon-Wagholi road, which is supposed to be 100 feet wide on paper, is, in reality, much narrower due to encroachments on both sides. The recent heavy rains have exacerbated the problem, leaving behind deep and dangerous potholes in several areas, including Smashanbhumi, Ozone Building, Santnagar, Dadachi Vasti, and Karmabhuminagar.
The situation is particularly dire around the bus station, where large potholes have become pools of stagnant rainwater, posing a risk to both vehicles and pedestrians.
Adding to the woes, the road leading to Vadgaon Shinde was dug up for a water channel, leaving behind even more potholes on this already problematic route. The repairs on Dhanori road have proven to be sub-standard, as potholes have reappeared due to shoddy workmanship, causing further frustration for drivers trying to navigate this route.
Nirgudi road, too, has not been spared from the pothole menace, making it clear that major roads in the Lohegaon area are in urgent need of attention and repair. The worsening road conditions have not only caused inconvenience but have also led to prolonged traffic jams in the Santnagar area, affecting students, daily commuters, and citizens going about their daily routines.
The citizens’ outcry against the deteriorating road conditions is justified, as the state of the roads reflects a lack of proper planning and execution by the authorities. The condition of these roads poses risks to public safety, and immediate measures must be taken to address the issue.
While the Lohegaon area’s inclusion in the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) was expected to bring about positive changes, the state of the roads continues to disappoint. The responsible authorities must take prompt action to repair and upgrade these crucial roadways, considering the safety and convenience of the public as a top priority.
Citizens are urging the Road Department of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to undertake comprehensive repairs on these roads and ensure that the work is executed to high standards to prevent a recurrence of the pothole problem. The use of quality materials and efficient repair techniques will be crucial in ensuring the roads’ durability and minimizing maintenance requirements in the future.
Additionally, citizens are demanding that measures must be taken to prevent encroachments on roads and maintain the designated width of roadways to allow for smooth traffic flow. Continuous monitoring and timely maintenance will be vital to preserving the integrity of the repaired roads and safeguarding the public’s interests.
