Pune: Planned Riverbed Road Reconstruction Stalled; Temporary Fix Draws Criticism

Pune, 9th January 2025: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has approved ₹1.25 crore to reconstruct the dilapidated riverbed road connecting Bhide Bridge to Rajput Colony. However, the project remains stalled as a formal agreement with the contractor is yet to be signed. In the interim, the PMC’s Road Department has initiated temporary pothole repairs, raising eyebrows about the urgency behind the move.

The riverbed road, spanning approximately one kilometer, is a critical route for commuters traveling between Kothrud, Karve Road, Karve Nagar, and other areas to central Pune and Shivajinagar. Over the years, its condition has deteriorated significantly, prompting the civic body to approve its complete reconstruction. While the tendering process for the project has been completed, work cannot commence until the contract is formally finalized.

Despite this, the Road Department began filling potholes on the road a few days ago. This temporary patchwork, involving asphalt and gravel, has led to questions about why resources are being spent on a road slated for full reconstruction. According to the Road Department, the move was in response to repeated complaints from motorists about the poor state of the road, which causes significant inconvenience.

“The road is set to be completely rebuilt, and it will remain closed for some time during the reconstruction process. However, the agreement with the contractor has not yet been finalized, so work cannot begin immediately. In the meantime, we started filling potholes to address public complaints,” explained Sahadeo Dandge, Superintendent Engineer, PMC.

The road serves as a vital link for over a lakh two-wheeler riders daily, offering a convenient alternative to congested city routes. Although it is typically closed during monsoons due to flooding, the road is otherwise heavily used. Civic authorities have assured that the reconstruction will focus on durability, ensuring the road remains free of potholes for several years.

However, the decision to carry out temporary repairs just weeks before the reconstruction project has left many questioning the efficiency of the PMC’s planning and resource allocation.