Pune: PCMC Faces Criticism as Rs 4 Crore Synthetic Track in Pimpri Crumbles Within Five Days

Varad Bhatkhande

Pimpri, 29th March 2024: In a setback to sports enthusiasts, the newly constructed synthetic track at Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Sports Complex in Bhosari-Indrayani Nagar, funded for Rs 4 crore by the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), has developed holes within just five days of its inauguration. The quality of the track’s construction has come under scrutiny, raising concerns among athletes who are now facing difficulties during practice sessions.

The sports complex, situated in Pimpri-Chinchwad city, serves as a vital training ground for athletes, offering a 400-meter, eight-lane artificial runway. The need for a replacement arose due to the wear and tear of the old track over the years, necessitated by regular usage and exposure to environmental factors. After a prolonged construction period, the new track was finally unveiled in March, only to disappoint athletes with its rapid deterioration.

Athletes practising on the track have reported crumbling surfaces, even with standard training footwear. The use of spiked shoes, essential for certain athletic drills, exacerbates the problem, rendering the track virtually unusable. With concerns looming over the track’s durability, questions have been raised regarding the efficacy of the construction, despite the substantial investment made by PCMC.

The embarrassment of the situation has prompted PCMC to temporarily close the sports complex for necessary repair work. The PCMC has issued a statement acknowledging the closure, citing ongoing construction activities to address the track’s issues.

Dinesh Devkate, an athletics coach, expressed disappointment over the poor quality of construction, emphasizing the adverse impact on training sessions, particularly with spiked footwear. PCMC officials have assured that a thorough inspection will be conducted, and the contractor held accountable for the substandard work.

Manoj Sethia, the Joint City Engineer of PCMC, and a civil engineer from PCMC’s construction department, confirmed that payments to the contractor remain pending, underscoring the PCMC’s commitment to rectifying the situation and ensuring accountability.