Pune: Motorists at risk due to potholes, broken drainage lids

Even though officials from the civic administration’s road department said they have deployed road maintenance vans in all six zones for repairs, commuters are witnessing potholes, flooding and uneven roads across the city.

Dnyanada Sagare

21 June 2024

Potholes have appeared on roads after rain, causing issues for commuters.  In addition to potholes, broken drainage lids and stormwater lines are also impeding the traffic flow. 

A large pothole on Apte Road has been reported by JM road commuters. Authorities need to monitor key roads for immediate repairs. Regular travellers on Ganeshkhind Road have complained that the stretch is bumpy because of uneven road surface and the ongoing Metro works.

Mayur Kelkar, a resident of Sinhagad road who commutes daily to Aundh for work said, “I witness severe potholes and uneven patches of the road connecting Prayeja City and Warje. They are so bad that you need to entirely stop your vehicles to safely move ahead.” He also stated how the inferior condition of the roads comes into the limelight once the monsoon hits as all the gravel loosens from the road leading to two-wheelers skidding and causing brutal injuries. 

Travellers from Pimpri to Shivajinagar reported worsening road conditions after rain, with the drainage chamber lid breaking at Govt Hatcheries Chowk, obstructing traffic and barricading the area to prevent accidents.

Officials from the civic administration’s road department said they have deployed road maintenance vans in all six zones for repairs.

Other than this, issues like power cuts, traffic signals malfunctioning, and lack of streetlights, in addition to the various types of constructions, be it private or governmental, lack in the deployment of traffic staff and misbehaviour of drivers add to the already existing problems for the residents of Pune city.