Daijiworld Media Network- Mumbai

Mumbai, Jun 10: With the onset of the monsoon season, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has stepped up its efforts to combat one of the city’s perennial problems—potholes. In a proactive move, BMC has deployed 227 secondary engineers, each assigned to one electoral ward across the city, to identify and swiftly repair potholes before they pose a danger to motorists and pedestrians.

Each engineer will be responsible for monitoring and maintaining stretches of roads measuring approximately 10 to 15 kilometers within their assigned areas for the entire duration of the monsoon. Their core duty: spot potholes early and ensure immediate redressal.

Municipal Commissioner and Administrator Bhushan Gagrani chaired a high-level review meeting with the Roads and Transport Department on Monday, issuing specific directives to streamline pothole repairs. Among the key instructions was the order to repair potholes while they are still small—ideally between 6 to 12 inches in size—and to ensure that they are filled in a square shape to prevent future road surface unevenness.

In a major quality control measure, the BMC clarified that cold mix will not be used for potholes on roads wider than six meters. Instead, mastic asphalt or Geo Polymer Concrete will be used to ensure durability and better road surface quality.

The civic body further announced that while pothole repairs will continue throughout the week, special efforts will be made over the weekends to avoid traffic disruptions during busy weekday hours.

To enhance transparency and efficiency, the BMC has introduced a Vehicle Tracking System (VTS) to monitor the movement of GPS-enabled mastic cookers used for repairs. A dedicated route plan is being prepared to facilitate systematic deployment of these repair units.

As Mumbai braces for heavy rains, the BMC’s intensified approach offers a glimmer of hope to residents who have long endured monsoon-related road woes. Whether these timely measures can finally put an end to the city’s chronic pothole problem remains to be seen.