Pune, 23 September 2025: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directly raised concerns over the worsening condition of Pune’s roads, complaining to Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram about the city’s pothole crisis. His intervention has sent shockwaves through the municipal road department, which has faced mounting criticism from citizens for failing to maintain key roads.
Every year, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) spends crores on resurfacing and patchwork before the monsoon to prevent potholes. Yet, heavy rains in June and July once again exposed poor workmanship, leaving several major and minor roads riddled with dangerous craters.
Loose gravel, uneven patches and slow-moving traffic have become a daily ordeal for motorists. While PMC claims hundreds of potholes have been filled through its “Road Mitra” app complaints, residents point out that repairs are limited to reported spots while many others remain neglected.
The administration blames frequent rain and the shutdown of its Yerawada hot-mix plant for delays in filling potholes. However, citizens note that when VIP visits are scheduled, repairs are swiftly carried out in those areas, while the rest of the city suffers. Fadnavis himself encountered potholes during a recent Pune tour, prompting his sharp feedback to the commissioner.
Adding a touch of satire to the public outrage, civic activist Vivek Velankar recited an “Aarati of potholes,” a sarcastic poem mocking the endless patchwork and political indifference. Despite eight Assembly constituencies and several elected representatives in the city, few politicians have actively pressed the issue, allowing the problem to persist.
With the Chief Minister now personally calling out the civic body, residents are watching closely to see if this high-level complaint will finally lead to smoother, safer roads across Pune.