Pune: Road Repair Scandal In Pune? Allegations Of Corruption As Potholes Persist

Sumit Singh

Pune, 27th July 2023: As the monsoon season intensifies in Pune, the city’s roads have transformed into a commuter’s nightmare with the reemergence of numerous potholes. Despite the Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) claims of significant pothole-filling efforts, ground realities present a starkly different picture.

According to the latest data released by PMC, between June 1 and July 26, a total of 16,747 potholes were reportedly filled, with an additional 39 addressed just on Wednesday. The road department asserts that only 446 potholes are yet to be repaired out of a total of 17,193. However, the recurrence of potholes on almost every road has raised doubts about the effectiveness of the repair initiatives.

Earlier, the municipal administration had promised well-maintained roads during the monsoon season, for which a tender of Rs 300 crore was allocated to repair and maintain the city’s road network. However, with just 48 kilometers of roads completed so far, these assurances seem to be falling short of reality.

Citizens, increasingly frustrated with the situation, have been demanding an investigation into the reasons behind the persistent potholes and accountability of the contractors responsible for the repairs. Many have taken to social media to express their concerns.

One tweet by Ameet Singh raised corruption allegations against road contractors, stating that bribes were involved in getting payments released, leading to subpar road repair despite the PMC’s substantial budget of 1000 crore for roads.

Road contractors have to pay huge sums of money to get payments released. Bribes.

That’s why despite PMC having a budget of 1000 crore for roads.

Pune roads have pothole’s / craters resembling the moon.

Accidents, Deaths, Traffic Jam’s
Nothing fazes PMC., @HinjeIndsAssoc pic.twitter.com/QG5X1NCKTS

— ameet singh (@ameetgsingh) July 26, 2023

Another tweet by Nishant highlighted the dire condition of the roads in Keshav Nagar near Renuka Mata Mandir, expressing fear for his safety and that of others in the city.

The PMC’s approach of handling the pothole issue through tenders at the field office level, with allocations of Rs 2 crore each, has proven ineffective. Despite citizens’ hopes for relief from the pothole menace, heavy rains have only exacerbated the situation.

@PMCPune @mieknathshinde @DrSEShinde @nitin_gadkari @CMOMaharashtra

I moved away from my family from Thane and shifted to Pune for work
Opportunities & be self independent.

I don’t wanna die on the streets of pune away from my family

Keshav Nagar Rd. near Renuka Mata Mandir pic.twitter.com/d2VhKsF6GT

— Nishant (@perhapsnish) July 25, 2023