Pune Roads Remain Pothole-Ridden Despite ₹2,108 Crore Spent on Repairs
Pune, 20th August 2026: Despite spending a staggering ₹2,108 crore on road repairs over the past four years, Pune continues to struggle with pothole-ridden roads. The situation has raised serious questions over the quality of road construction and maintenance work carried out by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC).
The city has approximately 2,400 kilometres of roads. Based on the total road network, PMC has spent an average of ₹87.83 lakh per kilometre on road repairs over the last four years. Despite this substantial expenditure, many roads have once again developed potholes, particularly following the monsoon.
Road Repair Expenditure Rises Sharply
PMC’s expenditure on road repairs has increased significantly in recent years. The civic body spent around ₹252 crore in 2022-23, while the expenditure reached approximately ₹900 crore in 2025-26.
Although spending on road repairs has increased nearly three-and-a-half times, the condition and durability of several roads remain a major concern.
The recurring pothole problem has also raised questions about whether public funds are being effectively utilised. Residents have questioned why roads deteriorate within a short period despite regular repairs and substantial expenditure.
Questions Over Contractors and Quality Control
Road construction and repair works are generally carried out through tenders, with contractors required to follow prescribed technical standards. PMC engineers are responsible for inspecting the work and verifying bills.
However, the repeated deterioration of roads has raised concerns over quality control, supervision and contractor accountability.
Questions have also been raised over whether contractors are held responsible when roads deteriorate during the defect liability period and whether PMC has recovered compensation from contractors for substandard work.
The existing rules concerning defect liability and road excavation have also come under scrutiny, with concerns that gaps in these provisions could make it difficult to hold contractors accountable for poor-quality work.
PMC Says Pothole Repairs Underway
PMC Additional Municipal Commissioner Omprakash Divate said that instructions have been issued to regional offices and the concerned departments to undertake urgent road repairs.
“Instructions have been issued to the regional offices and the main department to carry out urgent road repair work. The situation is being reviewed daily, and pothole repairs are being undertaken on a war footing within the available budgetary provisions,” Divate said.
With ₹2,108 crore already spent on road repairs in four years, the continuing pothole crisis has put the spotlight on the quality and durability of Pune’s roads, as well as the need for greater accountability in the use of public funds.
