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Time of India
22-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Commuters' suffering unabated as PMC fails to fix potholes, uneven drain covers
1 2 3 4 5 6 Pune: The endless travails of city commuters caused by potholes and shoddy road surfaces of various stretches never seem to end, regardless of the season. Many motorists have pointed out that despite the break in rainfall, road repairs have not gathered pace. Rohit Datar, a regular commuter on Ganeshkhind Road, told TOI, "Potholes are clearly visible on various roads. At University Chowk, which is always a busy junction, giant craters are slowing down vehicles." While Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has declared an assurance of finishing road repairs and filling potholes before Aug 20, commuters are not convinced. You Can Also Check: Pune AQI | Weather in Pune | Bank Holidays in Pune | Public Holidays in Pune Shukrawar Peth resident Ashok Kale said, "Ganesh mandals have already started preparations for pandals. Road repairs should be completed before Ganeshotsav." An official from PMC's road department claimed they have deployed vans for each ward for road repairs and resurfacing. "Deputy engineers attached to each area have been asked to visit key road stretches. The work will be expedited in the next few days," the official said. Another concern expressed by commuters is about the broken and uneven drainage chamber lids posing a risk to motorists — two-wheeler riders in particular. Bikers highlighted that many lids, despite repairs just a few days ago, have come loose as the cement-concrete used to affix them is of bad quality. An autorickshaw driver from the Pune railway station area, Chand Shaikh, said, "Drainage lids need to be fixed properly and at road level. The most problematic road stretches in this regard are Ganeshkhind Road, parts of Tilak Road, Bund Garden Road, Pune railway station area, and many stretches on the outskirts." A civic official told TOI, "For repairs of drainage chamber lids, the road and drainage departments are working in coordination." However, commuters are unhappy with the result. Prachi Gore, a Navi Peth resident who often uses Karve Road stretch to reach Deccan Gymkhana, said, "Almost all chamber lids from Garware College Chowk to Deccan are in bad condition. They are not fixed properly, uneven, or unstable. This poses a major risk to vehicles." Pune: The endless travails of city commuters caused by potholes and shoddy road surfaces of various stretches never seem to end, regardless of the season. Many motorists have pointed out that despite the break in rainfall, road repairs have not gathered pace. Rohit Datar, a regular commuter on Ganeshkhind Road, told TOI, "Potholes are clearly visible on various roads. At University Chowk, which is always a busy junction, giant craters are slowing down vehicles." While Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has declared an assurance of finishing road repairs and filling potholes before Aug 20, commuters are not convinced. Shukrawar Peth resident Ashok Kale said, "Ganesh mandals have already started preparations for pandals. Road repairs should be completed before Ganeshotsav." An official from PMC's road department claimed they have deployed vans for each ward for road repairs and resurfacing. "Deputy engineers attached to each area have been asked to visit key road stretches. The work will be expedited in the next few days," the official said. Another concern expressed by commuters is about the broken and uneven drainage chamber lids posing a risk to motorists — two-wheeler riders in particular. Bikers highlighted that many lids, despite repairs just a few days ago, have come loose as the cement-concrete used to affix them is of bad quality. An autorickshaw driver from the Pune railway station area, Chand Shaikh, said, "Drainage lids need to be fixed properly and at road level. The most problematic road stretches in this regard are Ganeshkhind Road, parts of Tilak Road, Bund Garden Road, Pune railway station area, and many stretches on the outskirts." A civic official told TOI, "For repairs of drainage chamber lids, the road and drainage departments are working in coordination." However, commuters are unhappy with the result. Prachi Gore, a Navi Peth resident who often uses Karve Road stretch to reach Deccan Gymkhana, said, "Almost all chamber lids from Garware College Chowk to Deccan are in bad condition. They are not fixed properly, uneven, or unstable. This poses a major risk to vehicles."
Time of India
15-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Schools in Maharashtra reopen with flowers, decorations, puppet shows and a warm welcome
Pune: After a long summer break, schools across Maharashtra reopen today, with the first day of the new academic year expected to be filled with excitement as students return to classrooms. On Sunday, school staffers prepared to welcome the children with flowers, chocolates and decorations. Some schools are also planning puppet shows and fun activities to make children feel comfortable and to create a friendly school environment. Management committee member of a school in Yerawada, Ashok Kale, said, "Our staff has organised puppet shows and fun activities to ensure children are excited about returning to school. We will greet our students with roses, sweets, chocolates and pens, creating a festive and welcoming atmosphere." This year, the state govt has launched a special initiative to make the first day of the academic year memorable. Ministers, local politicians and education officers will visit schools located in their constituencies to greet students and encourage a joyful start to the year. In govt schools, free textbooks and uniforms will be distributed. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Forget Furosemide, Use This Household Item To Help Drain Edema Fluid WellnessGuide Learn more Undo Education officer Shriram Panzade said the purpose of this large-scale engagement is not just symbolic. "Officials will also review facilities in schools, interact with teachers, students and parents, and evaluate the readiness and quality of school infrastructure. They aim to boost student attendance from the first day, improve the learning environment and promote community participation in education," Panzade said. Parents, too, excitedly purchased new uniforms, tiffins, raincoats and bags for children. While many girls chose butterfly-shaped school bags, boys preferred Doraemon designs. Reshma Lalani, a parent, said, "We started preparation for school one week ago. We bought a new school bag and uniform for my son. It is a new academic year, and although it comes every year, my son is excited." This year, the drop in prices of school supplies, such as bags, notebooks and raincoats, has brought cheer to parents. Krishna Agarwal, a trader at Appa Balwant Chowk, said, "A school bag that earlier cost Rs 1,200 is now available for Rs 800 to Rs 1,000. Notebooks are 20% cheaper, and raincoat prices have stabilised. Indian-made products are easily available at lower prices, owing to increased local production." Some shops even offered discounts and even free items with purchases to compete with online stores. As schools open their gates with smiles, colours and positive energy, students, teachers, and parents are set to begin the new academic year with hope and happiness.
