Pune, 14th May 2026: The Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) claims of completing road repairs before the monsoon have come under sharp criticism, with roads across the city still lying dug up and damaged.
With the rainy season approaching, citizens are struggling with potholes, dust pollution, traffic congestion and unsafe commuting conditions.
Excavation work for water pipelines, drainage lines and stormwater systems is underway in several parts of Pune. Along with PMC departments, agencies such as MSEDCL, MGL and private telecom and internet companies have also dug up roads for utility and cable works. However, contractors have allegedly failed to restore roads even after completing underground work, leaving several stretches in poor condition.
The situation has once again raised questions over the civic administration’s annual pre-monsoon road repair drive, despite crores of rupees being spent on resurfacing projects every year.
Roads developed under the ₹165-crore Pune Grand Tour project have also deteriorated after fresh excavation work.
Residents have criticized contractors for continuing excavation over long stretches without repairing completed sections first. Areas including Sinhagad Road, Dandekar Bridge, Dhayari, Kothrud, Karvenagar, Warje, Hadapsar, Vadgaon Sheri, Dhanakwadi, Shivajinagar and several peth areas are witnessing severe inconvenience due to damaged roads and flying dust.
The delay in repairs has reportedly been caused by disruptions in cement concrete supply following action against illegal RMC plants. PMC has also faced criticism for not effectively using its own hot-mix plant to speed up restoration work.
The poor road conditions have already resulted in multiple incidents of two-wheelers skidding on loose soil and uneven surfaces, further adding to citizens’ frustration.
“Road restoration work could not be carried out because RMC plants were shut. However, repair work will begin within the next one or two days,” said Jagdish Khanore, head of PMC’s sewage department.