“The decision was taken to improve work quality and significantly increase the lifespan of our roads,” said Omprakash Divate, additional commissioner, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). In preparation for the ‘Pune Grand Challenge Tour’— a 684km Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI)- recognised race modelled after the Tour de France — the PMC repaired and restored 75 km of city roads over the last two months. The project, which costs Rs45 crore, involved removing over 200 speed breakers and replacing approximately 400 damaged chamber covers. Civic officials noted that the PMC implemented stringent tender conditions to ensure timely, high-quality execution. Contractors were required to own and operate a hot mix batch plant with a minimum capacity of 120 TPH within 35 km of PMC limits. Mandatory machinery included at least two pavers, two bitumen distributors, four vibratory rollers, and one milling machine per package. To ensure precision, bituminous concrete (BC) work was executed using stringline and sensor-controlled equipment for exact slope and grade control. Furthermore, the administration mandated the appointment of a safety consultant for both pre- and post-work audits. The PMC has set a 10-year defect liability period (DLP) for these specific works. “The administration will form a committee to improve coordination between various agencies,” Divate added. “Roads near hospitals, educational institutes, and high-traffic areas are being prioritised for ongoing repairs and restoration.” While citizens have welcomed the move towards third-party assessments, they have urged the PMC to ensure the process is more than just a formality. “Good quality roads should not be a luxury reserved for special events. Taxpayers deserve durable infrastructure 24/7,” said Ashwini Pathak, a resident of Kothrud. “The civic body must ensure these roads remain intact through the monsoon season and are not just a temporary fix for a race.”
