Pune, 4th August 2026: Continuous monsoon rains have left city's roads riddled with potholes, turning daily commutes into a frustrating and risky experience for thousands of residents.
Despite repeated pothole repair drives by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), citizens say the repairs are temporary, with many stretches deteriorating again within 24 hours of heavy rainfall.
The worsening condition of roads has significantly slowed traffic across the city, with commuters spending longer hours navigating damaged stretches. Two-wheeler riders are among the worst affected, as water-filled potholes and broken road surfaces have increased the risk of accidents. Students, office-goers, patients and senior citizens are also facing considerable inconvenience due to traffic congestion and unsafe road conditions.
The problem has intensified because road excavation for water supply, drainage and utility works has continued even during the monsoon. Although the Municipal Commissioner had directed departments to avoid non-essential road digging and ensure immediate restoration after utility work, many excavated roads and footpaths remain poorly repaired. As a result, fresh potholes have emerged across several major and internal roads.
Several areas including Mangalwar Peth, Kasba Peth, Raviwar Peth, Kothrud, Paud Road, Ambegaon, Jambhulwadi Road, Sinhagad College Road, Katraj, Satara Road, Kondhwa, Yewalewadi, Bavdhan, Baner, Balewadi, Aundh and Warje have reported severely damaged roads. Residents say the deteriorating road network has slowed traffic movement throughout the city, especially during peak hours.
The condition of service roads along the Mumbai-Bengaluru Highway between Wakad and Ambegaon-Katraj has become particularly dangerous. Heavy rainfall has filled potholes with water, making them nearly impossible to detect. In many locations, the service roads remain waterlogged after rain, forcing motorists to avoid them and use the already congested highway instead.
Citizens have also questioned the quality of PMC's pothole repair work, alleging that freshly repaired roads fail after the first spell of rain. Loose gravel and damaged patchwork often return to the road surface, increasing the chances of accidents. Despite recurring complaints, residents claim that no strict action has been taken against contractors responsible for poor-quality repairs.
The deteriorating road conditions are affecting every section of society, with longer travel times, rising traffic congestion and an increasing number of minor road accidents becoming a daily reality for Pune residents.
"The service roads along the highway are full of potholes, and during the rains they get submerged under water, making them impossible to spot. I met with an accident because of one such pothole, and many commuters face similar incidents every day. These roads also get heavily waterlogged during intense rainfall, yet the civic authorities have failed to carry out lasting repairs. Does the administration have to wait for a fatal accident before taking this issue seriously?", said Viraj Waghmode, a daily commuter.
