Pimpri Chinchwad Targets Pothole-Free Roads with New Automated Technology
Pimpri Chinchwad, 11th September 2024: Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) aims to make the city ‘pothole-free’ using new automated technology. PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh believes the survey will help assess road conditions, identify potholes, and prioritize necessary repairs. He also stated that after the survey, contractors and concerned authorities will be held accountable for the quality and maintenance of the roads.
PCMC has acknowledged that the number of potholes this year is significantly higher compared to recent years. Since 1st June, 5,151 potholes have been identified, of which 4,487 have been filled, leaving 664 potholes yet to be repaired. Additionally, 663 new potholes were found last week.
Pimpri-Chinchwad has 1,700 km of concrete and asphalt roads, and priority will be given to improving the quality of pothole repairs through physical inspections and structural assessments. Issues such as road cracks, potholes, and wear will be directly addressed, with assessments conducted according to Indian Road Congress guidelines. The collected road data will be updated on the Geographical Information System (GIS), enabling a deployment plan for monitoring repairs. This approach is expected to enhance road quality and prevent recurring potholes.
Commissioner Shekhar Singh stated that the use of automated technology and the GIS system will help address road issues promptly and improve budget planning and road construction quality.
Ashlesh Chavan, Deputy Engineer of PCMC, explained that the survey will involve taking photographs every ten meters along each road. This will provide insights into the condition of potholes and footpaths. If a pothole reappears within a year, the contractor will be responsible for refilling it.