The Pune Municipal Corporation has completed major infrastructure improvements just in time for an international cycling competition. The event is scheduled to run from January 19th to the 23rd in the city.
Extensive Road Resurfacing Across the City
PMC crews resurfaced nearly 75 kilometers of roads throughout Pune and its surrounding areas. A significant portion of this work, about 8.5 kilometers, took place within the jurisdiction of the Pune Cantonment Board. Officials stated this was done to ensure uniform safety and road quality standards along the entire international cycling route.
Comprehensive Safety and Beautification Drive
The civic body's efforts went far beyond simple road repairs. They launched a full-scale beautification and safety initiative. Workers repaired footpaths, dividers, and railings. They installed new metal beam crash barriers at critical and sensitive locations.
Kerb stones, medians, and existing railings received fresh coats of paint. Crews also refreshed all lane markings using highly visible thermoplastic paint. To create a smooth ride for the international athletes, speed breakers along the designated route were either completely removed or carefully leveled.
Addressing Long-Standing Civic Issues
"We also tackled persistent civic and safety problems in the Cantonment zone," explained Aniruddha Pawaskar, the PMC's Chief Engineer for Roads. "We repaired road shoulders and painted compound walls. Our teams serviced all drainage and stormwater chambers along the route."
Where necessary, the corporation laid new stormwater and drinking water pipelines. They also installed new signage to improve navigation for all road users and promote better road discipline.
A Project Executed on a War Footing
Civic authorities described the project as being executed on a war footing. Remarkably, the entire suite of upgrades was finished in just two and a half months. Engineers from the PMC's road department reportedly worked day and night to meet the tight deadline, all while managing their regular civic duties.
Positive Public Response and a Growing Controversy
The rapid improvements have received a largely positive reaction from residents and daily commuters in the Cantonment area. According to officials, many locals expressed their gratitude, thanking PMC workers for finally resolving issues that had been pending for years. These complaints primarily concerned dilapidated road surfaces and faulty drainage systems.
However, the successful project has also ignited a dispute over administrative credit. "Many residents and travellers stopped to thank PMC workers for solving their long-pending complaints," Pawaskar noted. "Yet, some Cantonment officials and officers from the local military authority have tried to take credit for our work. This act is mischievous and disturbing. How can they take credit for work they did not do?"
A Lasting Legacy for Pune
Civic authorities emphasized that these upgrades will serve as a long-term asset for the city. The benefits will extend well beyond the conclusion of the cycling event, improving daily life for residents.
Local activist and Pune Camp resident Rajabhau Chavan welcomed the changes. He noted that the PMC stepped in where other authorities had previously failed. "This helped in resolving long-pending repair issues," Chavan said. "We had urged the Cantonment authorities to repair these roads in the past, but it was in vain. Because of the PMC's work, traffic congestion has finally reduced on roads within the Cantonment limits."
