Pune-Solapur Highway Crumbles In Just 8 Months, Sparking Public Outrage
Pune-Solapur Highway Crumbles In Just 8 Months, Sparking Public Outrage
Hadapsar, Pune: The recently renovated Pune-Solapur highway has started deteriorating barely eight months after the resurfacing work was completed, sparking anger among commuters. Despite crores of rupees being spent on the renovation, the highway has already begun to break apart, with loose gravel scattered across the road, increasing the risk of accidents.
Commuters have strongly criticised the National Highways Authority for its negligence and poor oversight. Citizens allege that due to the careless attitude of officials, public funds worth crores have effectively been wasted.
The resurfacing was carried out from Ravi Darshan Society in Hadapsar to Manjari Farm and further till the Fursungi Phata stretch. Ironically, the road was in good condition prior to the renovation. Despite this, extensive funds were sanctioned and used for the unnecessary work.
With only light rainfall this season, the tarred surface has already given way, exposing the poor quality of the work. As a result, the highway — one of the most important roads in the region — is now riddled with loose stones and potholes.
Former Public Works Minister Ravindra Chavan had admitted during a legislative session that the resurfacing of the Pune-Solapur highway — which was already in good shape — was done using substandard materials. In response to a starred question raised by MLA Bhimrao Tapkir, Chavan acknowledged that the gravel was dislodged due to heavy traffic at several spots, though contractors had been instructed to redo the affected portions. However, even a light shower has now exposed the shoddy quality of work.
Eight to nine months ago, despite no urgent requirement, the NHAI began resurfacing the road from Ravi Darshan to Manjari Farm at a cost of several crores. Local BJP leader Rahul Shewale revealed that a formal complaint regarding the poor quality was submitted in person to NHAI official Shruti Naik.
A request was also made to instruct the contractor to improve the work. Despite this, no action was taken, and the consequences are now visible. Shewale squarely blames the officials’ negligence for the wastage of public money.
Rainwater is stagnating on the road due to clogged drainage lines, as nearby shopkeepers have filled the stormwater channels with debris. This has further worsened the condition of the road in some areas. A notice has been issued to the contractor, and immediate repairs will be carried out at damaged spots, said Atul Surve, Section Engineer, NHAI, Pune.
