Pune, 30th September 2026: Despite spending crores of rupees on pre-monsoon drainage cleaning, desilting and flood-prevention measures, several parts of Pune experienced waterlogging following heavy rainfall on Monday (September 28).
The downpour, which lasted between 30 minutes and an hour, exposed shortcomings in the Pune Municipal Corporation's (PMC) preparations and caused considerable inconvenience to commuters and pedestrians.
Heavy rain accompanied by strong winds lashed the city on Thursday (September 24) and Monday afternoon (September 28). Several areas, including the central peths, Kothrud Garbage Depot, Lagad Mala and Mitramandal Chowk on Sinhagad Road, Wagholi, Ambethan Temple Road, Upper Depot, Bibwewadi, Gokul Nagar, Kamthe Nagar, Yewalewadi and the VIT College Road area in Kondhwa, reported waterlogging. In some locations, accumulated rainwater covered large stretches of roads, making them difficult to navigate.
Before the monsoon, the PMC spent substantial amounts on cleaning stormwater drains, drainage channels and nullahs. The civic body also undertook special measures at locations that regularly experience waterlogging.
The administration had identified 201 waterlogging-prone spots across the city and claimed to have implemented measures to improve drainage. However, the heavy rainfall in September has raised questions about the effectiveness of these measures.
Waterlogged roads forced motorists to drive cautiously, as submerged potholes and uneven road surfaces became difficult to identify. Traffic slowed down at several locations, leading to congestion and long queues of vehicles. Pedestrians also struggled to cross waterlogged stretches, while some residents had to wait for the water to recede before proceeding.
A civic official said the PMC received approximately 20–22 complaints of waterlogging on Monday. Water had accumulated mainly in low-lying areas and at road bends. Following inspections, officials found that the accumulated water had drained away.
"On Monday, we received around 20–22 complaints about waterlogging in the city. Water had accumulated in some low-lying areas and at road bends. Upon inspecting these locations, we found that the water had drained," said Ganesh Sonune, a PMC official.