**Pimpri-Chinchwad Faces Surge in Potholes Following Torrential Rains**
Torrential rains last week have caused hundreds of potholes to reappear across Pimpri-Chinchwad city, prompting concerns among residents and authorities alike. On Friday, officials from the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) announced that all these potholes will be repaired before Diwali.
According to PCMC data, there are currently 582 potholes and road damages reported in the city. Residents have noted that the monsoon this year began early—in May itself, a month ahead of the usual schedule—leading to extensive road damage across various areas in the twin cities and their suburbs.
A PCMC official stated, “The city has roads ranging from twelve feet to 80 feet in width, covering a total of 2,073 kilometres, including both paved and unpaved surfaces. These comprise asphalt and cement concrete roads. During the four and a half months of the rainy season, a total of 4,065 potholes have been identified on these roads.”
PCMC further revealed that out of the total identified potholes, 3,696 have already been filled. Of these repairs:
– 1,424 potholes were filled with tar and cold mix
– 313 with Bituminous Bitumen Macadam (BBM)
– 1,203 with gravel
– 275 with paving blocks
– 481 with cement concrete
This accounts for approximately 86.40% of the work completed. Despite this, potholes remain highly visible on roads throughout the city’s various areas, causing traffic slowdowns and safety concerns.
Two-wheeler riders, in particular, are facing difficulties navigating the potholed roads. Shivam Markandey, a resident of Nigdi Pradhikaran, shared his concerns: “Many roads under PCMC jurisdiction are badly damaged and need urgent repairs. Riding a bike on these roads increases the risk of accidents and can damage the spine. From my experience, thousands of potholes still exist in the city.”
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### Developmental Works Impact Transport
Multiple infrastructural development projects are currently underway in Pimpri-Chinchwad, contributing to traffic disruptions. These include:
– Construction of a subway near Rakshak Chowk, Sangvi
– Roadworks on Kunal Icon Road, Pimple Saudagar
– Metro development along the Old Mumbai-Pune Highway from Chinchwad to Nigdi
– Road improvement on Dutta Mandir Road in Wakad
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### Metro Work Causes Delays in Pothole Repairs
Metro construction on service roads from Nigdi to Chinchwad has further complicated matters. This particular stretch is now under Metro authorities’ control. Large potholes have developed here, and despite PCMC making three requests to fill them, the Metro administration has delayed action.
The Metro officials have stated that pothole repairs will only take place once PCMC and traffic police arrange for traffic diversion. However, no decision has yet been made. As a result, drivers face heavy delays—taking up to half an hour to cover distances that normally require just ten minutes.
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### PCMC Promises Repairs Before Diwali
The PCMC administration remains optimistic about completing pothole repairs soon. With the forecast predicting a slowdown in rainfall, officials expect road repair work to accelerate.
Joint City Engineer Devanna Gattuwar said, “During the past four and a half months, 4,065 potholes have appeared in the city. Of these, 3,696 have been filled, with 582 yet to be repaired. As the rains have eased, filling work is progressing rapidly. We assure residents that all potholes across the city will be filled before Diwali.”
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### Residents Demand Long-Term Solutions
Despite PCMC’s assurances, residents demand greater accountability and lasting solutions. Many argue that current roadworks are only temporary fixes, which end up damaged during the very first rainfall.
As Pimpri-Chinchwad prepares for the upcoming festival season, the hope remains that road conditions improve soon to ensure safer and smoother travel for all commuters.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/pune/hundreds-of-potholes-in-pimpri-chinchwad-pcmc-promises-to-repair-roads-before-diwali
