Pune: After repairing and levelling over 1,000 chamber lids for the international cycling event in the city in Jan, the PMC has decided to expand the same across the entire city. The move is expected to provide relief to motorists by eliminating bumpy patches and improving road safety.The administration has prioritised levelling chambers on 32 key arterial roads and adjoining stretches that handle 70% to 80% of the city’s daily traffic.Officials from the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC)’s road department stated that approximately 6,000 chamber lids — primarily stormwater covers and drainage line manholes — will be levelled by May 15. To meet this deadline, the department has set a daily target of repairing at least 85 to 90 lids.According to officials, this is the first time in recent years that the administration has undertaken such an extensive, city-wide drive to repair chamber lids. The effort aims to enhance the overall travel experience, reduce vehicle wear and tear, and increase the speed of vehicular movement.The plan was finalised during a meeting held on Friday at the PMC headquarters, chaired by municipal commissioner Naval Kishore Ram. During the meeting, Ram directed officials to expedite the work to ensure all levelling work is completed before the onset of the monsoon.Rajesh Bankar, head of the PMC’s road department, noted that the contractors tasked with the repairs were also briefed at the meeting. “Detailed instructions have been issued to ensure quality and speed. Work is being initiated on all 32 arterial roads, including Satara Road, Solapur Road, Hadapsar Road, and various internal city routes,” Bankar said. The drainage department will also collaborate on the project to assist in levelling drainage-specific lids.While regular commuters have welcomed the move, many have raised concerns regarding the quality of the work. Some pointed out that chamber lids repaired just two months ago for the cycling event have already begun to sink or suffer damage. Commuters have urged the administration to not only focus on the May 15 deadline but also implement a long-term maintenance plan to ensure the repairs withstand heavy traffic.
