Eknath Shinde Orders Pothole-Free Roads in Maharashtra Before Ganeshotsav

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has directed all municipal corporations in the state to make roads pothole-free before the upcoming Ganeshotsav festival.

Shinde chaired a special meeting to review the pothole situation in major cities and ordered civic authorities to prepare a time-bound programme to repair potholes, particularly on internal roads, immersion routes, and major procession routes.

The Deputy CM's directive comes after several complaints regarding potholes were received from major cities across the state, and the issue was also taken up by the Bombay High Court, which directed the government to undertake urgent repairs.

Shinde asked municipal commissioners to immediately begin repairing potholes and give priority to roads used for Ganesh processions and immersion. He also directed officials to inspect immersion routes, procession routes, and immersion ghats to ensure that all necessary civic facilities are in place.

Civic bodies were asked to publish helpline numbers for citizens to report potholes and ensure that complaints received through mobile applications are resolved immediately. Shinde also directed municipal corporations to keep a 24x7 road repair mechanism ready during the festival period and conduct regular inspections of ongoing works.

The Public Works Department, Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), and Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) have been asked to appoint teams to coordinate closely and prevent potholes on roads under their jurisdiction.

Shinde warned that if roads under the jurisdiction of these agencies become a source of inconvenience to citizens, the concerned municipal corporation should undertake repairs at its own expense and subsequently recover the cost from the responsible agency. He also directed authorities not to permit any new road digging during the Ganeshotsav period.

Special attention should be given to electrical wires along Ganesh procession and immersion routes to prevent accidents, Shinde said. The Deputy CM's directive aims to ensure that the roads are safe and convenient for citizens during the festival period.

The Ganeshotsav festival is a significant event in Maharashtra, and the state government's efforts to make roads pothole-free will provide relief to citizens and devotees who participate in the festivities. The use of modern technologies such as precast solutions and geopolymer techno-patches for urgent repairs during the monsoon will also help to improve the overall condition of the roads.

In conclusion, the Maharashtra government's initiative to make roads pothole-free before Ganeshotsav is a welcome move, and it is expected to bring relief to citizens and improve the overall condition of the roads in the state.