Pune: Daily commutes in the Khadki Cantonment Board (KCB) area have become a never-ending problem as several key roads are severely damaged by potholes.For weeks, commuters have struggled to navigate stretches of Mula Road, Range Hills Road, and other arterial routes within the Cantonment. Many commuters are angry that the Board and the Local Military Authority have failed to act decisively.Aniket Jadhav, a private firm employee who travels from Pimpri to Pune, said, “Every day, I am afraid of skidding while riding my two-wheeler on Mula Road. The potholes are so deep that they could easily cause an accident.”Autorickshaw drivers also complained of frequent vehicle breakdowns. “The suspension of my auto has taken a beating. Repairing it costs me a chunk of my daily earnings,” said Sunil Pawar, who ferries passengers between Khadki Bazaar and Shivajinagar.The Cantonment, centrally located, connects Pune city with Pimpri Chinchwad limits and also handles a heavy load of industrial traffic. The heavy rainfall this season has filled up potholes and reduced visibility, and worsened the situation, leading to longer travel times, safety hazards, and growing public frustration.KCB chief executive officer Minakshi Lohia admitted the challenge but claimed rainfall was the main obstacle. “The tender for road repair is completed. But we couldn’t execute the work because of continuous downpour. Temporary repairs with murum material have not lasted. A comprehensive repair plan is ready and will be initiated as soon as we get a break from the rains,” she told TOI.Residents pointed out that temporary patchwork solutions were not enough.“Every monsoon, the story repeats itself. We deserve better, durable roads, not quick fixes that wash away in the rain,” said Nandita Kulkarni, a local resident.Civic activists argued that poor planning and lack of urgency have compounded the crisis. They warned that further delays would escalate repair costs and endanger thousands of commuters.“For now, citizens will continue to endure traffic snarls and bumpy rides, hoping that once the rains subside, authorities will finally deliver on their promise of comprehensive road repairs in the Cantonment’s vital corridors,” said Shabaz Sayyed, who lives in KCB limits.
