‘How Did So Many Potholes Appear in Pune?’ PMC Commissioner Pulls Up Road Department

Pune, 4th August 2026: Expressing strong displeasure over the deteriorating condition of Pune’s roads, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram on Tuesday reprimanded officials of the civic body’s Road Department and questioned how such a large number of potholes had developed across the city.

Reviewing the city’s road conditions, the Commissioner described the functioning of the Road Department as “poor” and directed officials to ensure that all potholes are repaired within the next month. He also instructed that the pending ₹75-crore tenders for restoring roads after excavation works be approved without delay.

Speaking to reporters after a review meeting, Ram said that many roads had developed potholes because restoration work following excavations was not carried out properly.

“The Road Department’s functioning has been unsatisfactory. Roads across the city have developed numerous potholes. Improper resurfacing after excavation and lack of coordination among various civic departments have contributed significantly to the problem,” he said.

The Commissioner acknowledged that multiple agencies, including civic departments and utility companies, had undertaken excavation works for water supply, drainage, electricity and other infrastructure projects during the monsoon. However, many roads and footpaths were not restored to their original condition, leading to widespread damage.

According to the PMC administration, excavation permissions had been granted to several utility agencies and civic departments this year. During the fuel shortage, Maharashtra Natural Gas Limited (MNGL) was also allowed to undertake direct road excavation works. However, the excavated stretches were allegedly not restored properly, resulting in potholes.

Ram further pointed out that the absence of adequate stormwater drainage on several roads had allowed rainwater to seep beneath the road surface, weakening the pavement and causing it to cave in.

The poor condition of roads has slowed traffic movement across several parts of Pune, while two-wheeler riders have been facing serious safety risks due to the potholes. Although the PMC has been carrying out pothole repairs, many residents have criticised the repairs as temporary patchwork, claiming that potholes reappear at the same locations after a short period.

Lack of Coordination Among Civic Departments
The Commissioner also criticised the lack of coordination among different PMC departments. He said zonal offices had been entrusted with the responsibility of repairing potholes within their respective jurisdictions, but several had failed to carry out the work effectively.

He noted that in some regional offices, tenders for pothole repair works were still awaiting approval and warned that action would be taken against officials found responsible for delays.

“There is a clear lack of coordination among various departments. The Water Supply and Drainage departments have also failed to execute restoration work properly. How did so many potholes develop on the city’s roads?” Ram asked.

8,000 Square Metres of Potholes Repaired
Additional Municipal Commissioner Omprakash Divte said the PMC had repaired potholes covering nearly 8,000 square metres in recent days using cold mix, hot mix and other repair technologies.

He said cold mix is being used during rainfall, while hot mix and other techniques are being deployed during dry weather to expedite repair works.

The PMC has now set a one-month deadline to complete pothole repairs across the city as criticism over the condition of Pune’s roads continues to mount.