The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) on Saturday directed officials to repair potholes across the city within two days, with municipal commissioner Dr Vijay Suryawanshi warning of strict action against officers responsible for negligence or delays.
The directive comes amid growing public anger over damaged roads, potholes and trenches following the monsoon.
Suryawanshi instructed executive, deputy and junior engineers to inspect roads in their respective jurisdictions and begin repairs immediately rather than wait for citizen complaints. He also directed officials to monitor the quality, durability and safety of the work.
Officials have been asked to inspect and repair footpaths, road dividers, railings, and other public infrastructure that pose safety risks. Each ward must prepare a priority-wise action plan and complete the repairs at the earliest.
PCMC has fixed responsibility on engineers for road and infrastructure maintenance in their respective areas. Senior officials, including the additional municipal commissioner, chief engineer and city engineer, have been asked to review repair work daily and submit reports to the commissioner.
“Providing citizens with safe, well-maintained roads and public infrastructure is our priority. Officials should regularly inspect their areas instead of waiting for complaints. Responsibility has been fixed for every jurisdiction, and strict action will be taken against those found negligent or responsible for delays,” Suryawanshi said.
{{/usCountry}}“Providing citizens with safe, well-maintained roads and public infrastructure is our priority. Officials should regularly inspect their areas instead of waiting for complaints. Responsibility has been fixed for every jurisdiction, and strict action will be taken against those found negligent or responsible for delays,” Suryawanshi said.
{{/usCountry}}Residents, however, said pothole repairs alone would not address the recurring problem and demanded accountability for poor-quality road work.
Sanjeevan Sangale, chairman of the Chikhali Moshi Pimpri-Chinchwad Housing Societies Federation (CMPCHSF), said, “Potholes and trenches can be seen across Pimpri Chinchwad. I welcome the municipal commissioner’s decision to repair the damaged roads. However, the bigger question is whether the civic administration will act against contractors responsible for poor-quality work.”
Jay Jadhav, a Sangvi resident, said, “Every year, the same roads are repaired before or during the monsoon, but the potholes return within weeks. This is not just an inconvenience; it is a serious safety issue for motorists, schoolchildren and senior citizens. The civic body should ensure durable road construction and fix responsibility on contractors and officials wherever poor-quality work is found.”