Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has been in the process of road milling of several major stretches in key locations, including prime routes like Tilak Road, Fergusson College (FC) Road, and University Road. Road milling is the process of using a specialized machine with a rotating drum to grind and remove the top layer of existing asphalt or concrete pavement, creating a smooth, level surface for repairs, resurfacing, or reshaping roads without full demolition, and also recycling the removed material (millings) for new asphalt. Speed breakers removals are also underway alongside. These works have been taken up ahead of the Pune Grand Tour 2026, an international cycling event scheduled for next month. At least 75km of stretches in the city are undergoing a revamp to host this event. But meanwhile, commuters are unhappy. Shivajinagar resident Anup Joshi said PMC is executing works in a haphazard manner without considering the local situation, which is causing major inconvenience. “A book fair was held on the FC grounds recently, but the civic body started road milling and repairs at the same time on the key road. The commute was deeply impacted, and motorists faced difficulties navigating the dug-up surfaces. Similar problems are faced on Tilak Road and University Road,” Joshi said. Officials from PMC’s road department said road milling usually takes at least 24-48 hours to finish, depending on the quantum of work. “We have asked contractors to ensure no delays, as they lead to traffic flow problems. On some occasions, unavailability of tarring material and other technical challenges may lead to delays, but we are making all efforts to avoid the same. Instructions have also been issued to take up major works during night hours and keep stretches open for commuting in the daytime,” a road department official said, choosing anonymity.Others also pointed out that PMC schedules such works without prior intimation and fails to arrange alternative routes. Sahakarnagar resident Sandip Pote said, “On Tilak Road, the administration suddenly started road milling and removal of speed breakers without any notice. While they claim the work takes 48 hours, this is not true.” Besides road repairs, PMC has also taken up replacement of drainage lines in various areas ahead of the cycle tour. PMC road department head Aniruddha Pawaskar said, “Three major works are in the last phase. These include road milling, levelling of drainage and stormwater chamber lids that are causing inconvenience to commuters, and removal of speed breakers. The latter has already been accomplished on many key stretches, like JM Road, FC Road, Bajirao Road, and Karve Road.”
