Heavy rainfall in Mumbai has caused potholes to reappear on several roads across the city, leading to traffic disruptions and safety concerns. The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena has raised questions about the quality of road work executed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
Potholes Emerge After Downpour
According to reports, the downpour over the past 24 hours has resulted in the formation of potholes on major arterial roads, including the Western Express Highway and Eastern Express Highway. Commuters faced long delays as vehicles had to navigate around the craters. The BMC has deployed teams to fill the potholes, but the recurring issue has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition.
Uddhav Sena's Criticism
Sanjay Raut, a senior leader of the Shiv Sena (UBT), stated that the civic body's failure to ensure durable roads is a clear sign of negligence. "The roads were repaired just a few months ago, and now they are full of potholes again. This raises serious questions about the quality of work and the use of substandard materials," Raut said. He demanded a thorough investigation into the contracts awarded for road repairs.
BMC's Response
The BMC has defended its work, attributing the potholes to the unusually heavy rainfall that has exceeded the city's drainage capacity. An official from the BMC's roads department said, "We have been repairing potholes on a war footing. The continuous rain has made it challenging to carry out permanent repairs. We are using hot mix asphalt to ensure better durability once the weather clears."
Impact on Commuters
The potholes have caused significant inconvenience to daily commuters, with many reporting damage to vehicles. The traffic police have issued advisories, urging motorists to use alternative routes. According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Mumbai has received over 200 mm of rainfall in the last 48 hours, leading to waterlogging in low-lying areas as well.
Political Fallout
The issue has taken a political turn, with the Shiv Sena (UBT) planning to hold protests outside the BMC headquarters. The party has accused the ruling alliance of diverting funds meant for infrastructure maintenance. The BMC, however, maintains that it is working within its budgetary constraints and has prioritized emergency repairs.
Long-Term Solutions
Experts have called for a comprehensive review of the city's road construction methods. Dr. Anil Singh, a civil engineer from IIT Bombay, noted, "The repeated formation of potholes indicates a need for better drainage systems and the use of advanced materials like polymer-modified bitumen. The BMC must adopt a more scientific approach to road building." The state government has promised to allocate additional funds for road repairs in the upcoming budget.
