Pune, 21st August 2026: Potholes has become a major concern for citizens, with repeated complaints about accidents and unsafe roads. Despite discussions in several Standing Committee meetings, civic officials have continued to cite administrative and procedural difficulties in completing road repairs.
At the latest Standing Committee meeting, members expressed anger over the delay and demanded immediate action. The issue gained further urgency following the death of 11-year-old Viraj Patole in a pothole-related accident in Mhalunge.
Standing Committee Chairman Shrinath Bhimale said the administration had repeatedly assured the committee that potholes would be repaired within eight days, but the work had not progressed as expected.
Bhimale said officials had been instructed to speed up road repairs and ensure that contractual conditions and other procedures did not unnecessarily delay the work.
He said, “We have repeatedly asked the administration to repair the potholes, but the work is still pending. I have told the Municipal Commissioner that if the administration fails to act, we will have to take to the streets and protest. The Commissioner has assured us that he will personally monitor the road repair work. If the repairs are not completed, we will hold a protest.”
The committee also discussed the death of Viraj Patole in Mhalunge. The accident has placed the Patole family in a difficult situation.
Bhimale said a proposal seeking financial assistance for the family would be raised at a meeting of party leaders, keeping in mind the directions and guidelines of the Supreme Court.
The civic administration is now expected to accelerate pothole repairs, with the Standing Committee closely monitoring the work over the coming days.
