Pune: Maharashtra’s New App Empowers Citizens to Report Potholes on State Highways

Pune, 29th August 2024: The Maharashtra State Public Works Department (PWD) has launched a new digital tool, the Pothole Complaint Redressal System (PCRS), enabling citizens to report road defects directly to authorities. The app, which covers a vast network of 1.18 lakh km of state highways, requires officials to repair reported potholes within a strict 72-hour window.

“A total of 138 complaints were received in the first week, of which 49 have been resolved,” said a senior PWD official, highlighting the early impact of the initiative.

Citizens can download the app from the PWD website, which uses GPS technology to pinpoint the location of potholes. Users can also upload photos to support their reports.

Under the new protocol, junior engineers must address pothole complaints within 72 hours, while deputy engineers have an additional 24 hours to submit a final report. If these deadlines are missed, the issue will be escalated to the executive engineer, who may issue show-cause notices for negligence.

The Amravati region has recorded the highest number of complaints so far, with 62 cases, followed closely by Pune with 58. Other regions, including Konkan, Nashik, Nagpur, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, have reported fewer than five complaints each.

The PWD has committed to rigorous monitoring starting in November to develop permanent solutions for the state’s road infrastructure.