Punekar News Impact: Wakad-Bhosari BRTS Road Repairs Begin After Citizen Efforts and Media Reports
Reported by Varad Bhatkhande
Wakad, 14th July 2025: On 8th July, Punekar News published a ground-level report highlighting the hazardous condition of the Wakad–Bhosari BRTS stretch between Bhujbal Chowk and Kaspate Chowk. The road, milled in March for resurfacing, had been left dug-up with deep grooves and no warning signs, turning it into a serious risk, especially for two-wheeler riders. For four months, commuters endured the cracked stretch without any sign of repair, raising major safety concerns.
Among those raising the alarm was Anil Gawade, a resident of Vishal Nagar, who repeatedly flagged the issue via PCMC helplines and the 1 Call Problem Solve campaign of Chinchwad MLA Shankar Jagtap. Despite his persistence, no action was taken, until the issue made headlines.
Following the Punekar News report on 8th July, the wheels finally began to turn.
On 13th July, Gawade provided an encouraging update: PCMC had begun asphalting work on the stretch he and others had been highlighting for months. Personally invited by PCMC Road Department officials, Deputy Engineer Chandrakant More and Junior Engineer Ketki Kulkarni, Gawade, along with fellow resident Ganesh, visited the site to inspect the progress. The engineers acknowledged a planning lapse between the civic department and the contractor regarding execution timelines and assured that the work would be completed by the end of July, weather permitting.
Gawade remarked that the sense of accountability and cooperation was refreshing. For over an hour, residents and engineers stood side by side, assessing the very road that had once symbolised civic apathy and inaction.
“This is just the beginning,” said Gawade. “Let’s not celebrate yet. There’s still a long way to go. But it’s proof that if we raise issues the right way and hold our systems accountable, things can change.”
As the repair work continues, residents of Vishal Nagar and nearby areas remain hopeful. They plan to involve more citizens, coordinate with local corporators, and keep working towards improving their locality. For them, “My Area, My Responsibility” is gradually becoming part of everyday practice.
