Pothole-Ridden Roads Turn Pune Commute into a Daily Ordeal Despite Smart City Tag
Pune, 4th August 2026: Pune’s roads have deteriorated significantly this monsoon, with deep potholes on major arterial roads and internal streets turning daily commuting into a hazardous experience. Citizens have questioned how a city branded as a Smart City continues to grapple with poor road conditions year after year despite spending crores of rupees on road construction and maintenance.
Motorists say several potholes are so deep and wide that the wheels of two-wheelers and four-wheelers often get trapped, leaving vehicles stranded on busy roads. The sudden impact of driving over potholes has reportedly caused neck, spine, back, and lower back injuries, while the constant jolts have made commuting particularly uncomfortable for senior citizens and women riders.
The deteriorating road conditions have also contributed to an increase in road accidents. In an attempt to avoid potholes, motorists often lose control of their vehicles, resulting in crashes. The situation becomes even more dangerous during rainfall, as waterlogged roads conceal potholes, making it difficult for commuters to assess their depth. Two-wheeler riders are among the worst affected, with many saying they travel in constant fear of accidents.
Beyond the safety risks, potholes have severely disrupted traffic movement across the city. Large craters near traffic signals force motorists to slow down, allowing only a limited number of vehicles to pass during a green signal. As a result, commuters are often forced to wait through two or even three signal cycles at busy junctions, leading to long queues and worsening traffic congestion during peak hours.
Residents have expressed frustration over the recurring problem, pointing out that Pune’s roads develop potholes every monsoon despite repeated repair works. They alleged that civic authorities continue to rely on temporary patchwork instead of undertaking durable and long-lasting repairs, causing the same issue to recur year after year. Citizens have demanded immediate and permanent measures to improve road quality and ensure safer, smoother travel across the city.
