Pune, 4th December 2024: With more than 300 potholes still persisting in various parts of the city even after the monsoon, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has initiated a comprehensive survey of roads using automated vehicles.

The survey is being carried out over the city’s 1,200 kilometers of older roads and is expected to be completed within a month. The repairs will follow shortly after, according to PCMC officials.

This initiative involves two specialized vehicles equipped with six cameras and sensors that will capture road conditions in detail. The contract for the survey has been awarded to Pavetech on a per-kilometer basis.

The project aims to evaluate the structural integrity of roads, identify potholes, and prioritize repairs. PCMC officials have stated that the data collected will be integrated into the civic body's Geographic Information System (GIS) for efficient planning and monitoring.

The city has a total of 2,073 kilometers of roads, and pothole problems are a recurring issue, particularly during the monsoon. This year, 6,246 potholes were reported, of which 5,940 have been repaired. The remaining 306 potholes will be addressed based on the survey findings.

City Engineer Makarand Nikam highlighted that the survey will capture images every 10 meters, documenting potholes, broken footpaths, and other road damages.

Repairs will then be undertaken in a systematic manner to ensure long-term solutions. Officials added that the use of GIS technology would help prevent recurring pothole issues and improve road quality.

This move by PCMC aligns with the guidelines of the Indian Roads Congress, ensuring safer roads and efficient allocation of resources for road repairs and construction.