Pune: Month-Long Roadwork Chaos On Shankar Seth Road Triggers Public Anger Over PMC Planning
Pune: Month-Long Roadwork Chaos On Shankar Seth Road Triggers Public Anger Over PMC Planning
Pune, December 19, 2025: Prolonged and poorly planned roadwork on Shankar Seth Road in the busy Swargate area has sparked strong resentment among local residents, office-goers, shop owners, and daily commuters. The project has been underway for over a month, yet there is no visible progress or official timeline for completion, causing widespread inconvenience.
The ongoing work has led to severe dust pollution, traffic bottlenecks, blocked access to offices and commercial establishments, and unsafe road conditions. Commuters say the lack of traffic management has turned one of Pune’s key arterial roads into a daily ordeal, affecting livelihoods and disrupting routine movement.
Citizens have raised serious questions about the Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) project approval and monitoring mechanisms. If the contractor was unable to complete the work within the stipulated time, why was permission granted in the first place? Locals allege there is little to no supervision on-site, no accountability for delays, and no visible penalty imposed on the contractor.
The construction of a cycle track along this heavily congested commercial corridor has further drawn criticism. Residents are questioning whether any traffic or feasibility study was conducted before approving the project, and whether a cycle track is practical on a road dominated by heavy vehicular movement, public transport, and commercial activity.
“There is growing concern that public funds are being spent on infrastructure that lacks proper planning and public utility,” said a frustrated local citizen. “Such projects appear to benefit contractors and local representatives rather than the people who use the road every day.”
Citizens have put forward clear demands, including the announcement of a firm completion deadline, accountability for delays, public disclosure of the project’s cost and objectives, and immediate measures to reduce inconvenience to commuters and businesses.
Residents have urged the PMC to act responsibly, ensure transparency, and prioritise public interest over poorly executed projects.
