With potholes, prevention is better than quick-fix

Pic/Sameer Markande

The BMC has set a target to complete road repair works in Mumbai by May 31, according to a statement. The BMC said it is making significant strides in its mission to ensure smooth, pothole-free roads across Mumbai.

There was a recent inspection of various locations in the western suburbs, and the municipality said it is committed to completing key road improvement projects by the set deadline of May 31. The initiative includes levelling of all road junctions within BMC's jurisdiction with a uniform asphalt layer, alongside the ongoing cement
concretisation of roads in the city.

Authorities must ensure that the work is completed on time. There are indications that the monsoon is going to arrive early and be robust this year. All the more important that works are over before the first showers hit. If works spill over into early monsoon, showers mean that there will be repeated interruptions and work will be pending, as workers have to wait for dry days to tackle the problems. We have so many examples of workers waiting for ‘dry days' to fill in a pothole during the rainy season. Here, the stress is on the preventive aspect. Ensuring that there are no potholes in the first place, so that repairs are not needed in mid-season. While many Mumbaikars may scoff that this is Utopian, potholes have unfortunately become part of the rains scenario for years now.

There is a lot to be said about quality of work. While deadlines are important so is the standard of work being done, slipshod, hurried but not thorough repairs means that things go back to status quo-woe once again, so ensure top class and durability from the word go itself. Good roads are the biggest factor in contributing to city safety in the upcoming season.