CM Fadnavis Flags Poor Road Conditions in Pune, Raises Alarm Over Potholes

Pune, 22nd September 2025: Potholes have become a persistent problem on both major and minor roads across Pune, affecting traffic flow and causing inconvenience to commuters. While citizens have long complained about the issue, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis personally raised concerns about the city’s road conditions with Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram during his recent visit.

Despite the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) spending crores of rupees on asphalting roads before the monsoon to prevent potholes, heavy rains in June and July have caused roads to deteriorate. Resurfacing and small patchwork are used to fill potholes in alleys, but waterlogged streets and washed-away gravel continue to slow traffic. Potholes frequently reappear even after they are filled, prompting complaints from residents.

To address citizen grievances, the PMC introduced the ‘Road Mitra App,’ allowing people to report potholes. Hundreds of potholes have been filled through the app, but the administration primarily attends to locations where complaints are received. Other areas with potholes often remain unattended. Officials also cite the closure of the Municipal Corporation’s hot mix plant in Yerawada during the monsoon due to wet gravel, limiting the availability of materials for repairs.

Residents have also observed that roads are prioritized for repair during visits by VIPs, including the Chief Minister and Union Ministers, while other areas are left neglected. During a recent tour of Pune, CM Fadnavis himself encountered potholes on the city’s roads, prompting him to directly express his displeasure to Commissioner Ram. While the road in question falls under the jurisdiction of the Pune Cantonment Board, the complaint has alarmed officials and engineers across the road department. The Commissioner has confirmed that the Chief Minister raised concerns regarding potholes.

Potholes have appeared in all eight assembly constituencies of Pune, yet current and former public representatives and prominent political office bearers have largely ignored the issue, with little opposition agitation.

Now, following the Chief Minister’s intervention, attention is focused on whether Pune’s roads will finally see significant improvement.