Pune: New Potholes Are Always Just a Rainstorm Away in Pimpri Chinchwad as Roads Suffer Damage ‘Again’

Reported By Varad Bhatkhande

Pimpri Chinchwad, 29th August 2024: Roads in Pimpri Chinchwad have deteriorated ‘once again’ due to recent rains, resulting in an increase in potholes. Over the last 8 days, around 900 new potholes and additional damage have been reported. As a result, starting next year, contractors, deputy engineers, and junior engineers will be held accountable, according to Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) Commissioner and Administrator Shekhar Singh.

So far, a total of 3,542 potholes have been identified across the city, with 2,838 of them filled. The PCMC administration has reported that 704 potholes still need to be addressed.

Heavy rains had initially stopped at the end of July but resumed in August with the same intensity. During the dry spell, the PCMC began repairing the roads, but the return of the rain caused new potholes and additional road damage. The PCMC administration has acknowledged that this year the number of road damages and potholes is exceptionally high. Over the past 8 days, 888 potholes have appeared, and with the recent decrease in rainfall, repair work has resumed.

A total of 3,542 potholes have been identified in PCMC this year, and the PCMC administration claims that approximately 80% of them have been repaired. However, despite the administration’s statement that only 704 potholes remain, residents report that many potholes are still visible on the roads. This deterioration has also contributed to worsening traffic problems in the city.

PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh stated, “Pimpri Chinchwad has two thousand kilometres of roads. Some roads were built last year, but potholes appeared during the rainy season. Starting next year, contractors, sub-engineers, and junior engineers will be held responsible. The work of patching potholes with the help of the ‘jet patcher’ machine is progressing quickly, and the repairs will be completed soon.”

Damaged Road in Nigdi Leads to Woman’s Death

A few days ago in Nigdi, a woman fell out of an auto-rickshaw after it hit a pothole at high speed, resulting in her death. The deceased woman was Parvati Govind Kalyankar. Her husband, Govind Kalyankar, filed a case at the Nigdi Police Station. A case was registered against the rickshaw driver. Additionally, many other accidents, both minor and major, have been reported due to damaged roads in Pimpri Chinchwad. The gravel left on the surface of repaired roads is also creating slippery conditions for bikers.