BMC Receives 3108 Pothole Complaints This Monsoon

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has received 3108 pothole complaints since the onset of monsoon this year, a decrease of 18% from the 3770 complaints received during the same period last year.

According to BMC officials, the decrease in pothole complaints is attributed to the cement concretisation (CC) of roads. The BMC's roads department claims that one of the main objectives of concretising roads is to make Mumbai pothole-free.

Citizens, however, have expressed concerns regarding the quality of pothole fillings and the condition of unfinished CC roads. Many have complained that the existing pothole fillings are temporary and reappear soon after. Some have also alleged that the BMC closes pothole complaints online without addressing the issue.

The Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road is one of the areas with the highest number of potholes. Residents have pointed out that the pothole fillings on this road are of poor quality, and the filling is often uneven, creating bumps on the road. This makes driving, especially for two-wheeler riders, very risky.

Ajay Shete, a resident of Chembur, said that the potholes filled on flyovers have made the roads uneven, and it is very risky to drive on them. He added that at times, the potholes seem better than the bumpy roads, which can cause two-wheelers to skid easily.

Residents have also pointed out that many roads that were taken up for cement concretisation have been left half-complete. While BMC officials claim that these roads have been made motorable until work resumes post-monsoon, residents are demanding that the officials ensure existing roads are safe to drive on.

Sayali Bhosale, who works in Marol, said that apart from concentrating on new roads, the officials should ensure that existing roads are safe to drive on. The BMC's roads department has assured that the complaints are being addressed immediately, especially on non-CC roads.

The decrease in pothole complaints is a positive sign, but the BMC needs to address the concerns of citizens regarding the quality of pothole fillings and the condition of unfinished CC roads. The civic body must ensure that the roads are safe and motorable, especially during the monsoon season.

The BMC's efforts to concretise roads and reduce potholes are commendable, but the corporation must also focus on maintaining the existing roads and ensuring that they are safe for all vehicles, including two-wheelers. This is crucial for preventing accidents and ensuring the safety of commuters.

In conclusion, while the decrease in pothole complaints is a welcome sign, the BMC must continue to work on improving the condition of roads in Mumbai. The civic body must address the concerns of citizens and ensure that the roads are safe and motorable, especially during the monsoon season.

The reduction in pothole complaints is also a testament to the effectiveness of the BMC's road concretisation program. The program has been successful in reducing the number of potholes on the city's roads, and the BMC must continue to build on this success.

Overall, the BMC's efforts to improve the condition of roads in Mumbai are ongoing, and the civic body must continue to work towards making the city's roads safe and motorable for all commuters.