Video of Man Falling Into Waterlogged Pothole on Pune-Bengaluru Highway Service Road Sparks Safety Concerns

Pimpri Chinchwad, 2nd July 2026: A video showing a man falling into a waterlogged pothole on the service road along the Pune-Bengaluru highway near Punawale has triggered concerns among residents over the poor condition of roads during the monsoon. Locals alleged that waterlogging has concealed large potholes, posing a serious risk to motorists and pedestrians.

The video, circulated on social media, shows the man losing his balance after stepping into a pothole filled with rainwater. Residents said the incident highlights the deteriorating condition of the service road and warned that such accidents could prove fatal, particularly for two-wheeler riders.

Residents alleged that the stretch develops deep potholes every monsoon and accused the authorities of failing to carry out timely repairs despite repeated complaints. They also claimed that ongoing road works during the rainy season have further worsened conditions.

“This is happening every monsoon. Waterlogged potholes are invisible to commuters and can easily lead to serious accidents. Had a heavy vehicle been passing behind the man, the incident could have turned fatal,” a resident said.

Following the circulation of the video, local corporator Rahul Kate said the matter had been taken up with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) on the instructions of MLA Shankar Jagtap.

“I have spoken to senior NHAI officials, who have assured immediate action. A team has already reached the spot and started removing the accumulated water. They have informed us that the required repair work will be completed within the next one to two days,” Kate said.

He added that he would continue to follow up with the highway authority to ensure a permanent solution to the recurring problem and urged officials to identify and repair all waterlogged potholes on service roads in the area at the earliest.