Pune 13 June 2025: With just seven days remaining for the palakhi processions of Sant Shrestha Dnyaneshwar Maharaj and Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj to reach Pune, the poor condition of city roads threatens to make the journey challenging for lakhs of Warkaris.

Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar has flagged over 60 hazardous spots from Vishrantwadi to Hadapsar and Kunjirwadi, warning the Divisional Commissioner about the risks posed to devotees.

Following this alert, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has come under fire for neglecting crucial road maintenance. Out of the 60 identified problem spots, 50 fall within PMC limits. These include potholes, broken chambers, missing chamber covers, hanging tree branches and overhead cables, and uneven or waterlogged roads — all of which pose serious threats to the safety of Warkaris walking in large numbers.

The palakhi processions are set to enter Pune on June 20. Traditionally, the PMC cleans and repairs roads along the palakhi routes every year, but this time preparations appear to have lagged. After receiving the police report, Additional Commissioner Omprakash Divate directed Assistant Commissioners of the Road Department and zonal offices to carry out urgent repairs.

Key Problem Areas:

• Bopkhel Phata to Datta Mandir: Multiple potholes, waterlogging, collapsed sewer chambers, overhead cables drooping dangerously.

• Harris Bridge to Sancheti Hospital: Road closed at multiple spots, broken drainage lines, potholes on Wakdewadi Road, open chamber covers near COEP.

• Sancheti Chowk to Palkhi Visava Metro: Road closures at Shimla Office Chowk, potholes near Hardikar Hospital, missing chamber covers, unfinished works at Ganjwe Chowk to Patrakar Bhawan, potholes on Laxmi Road, hanging cables and incomplete sewer works.

With the palakhi arrival date fast approaching, questions loom over whether the PMC can fix these hazards in time to ensure a safe passage for the Warkaris.