With monsoon near, Delhi PWD targets final 2,000 potholes for repair

The Delhi government's Public Works Department (PWD) carried out a citywide special drive on Sunday to repair approximately 2,000 identified potholes on roads under its maintenance, ahead of the monsoon season. According to PWD records, a total of 14,757 potholes were identified on these roads between January 1 and June 4. Of these, 12,762 have already been repaired, leaving about 2,000 to be addressed before the onset of rains.

PWD Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma inspected repair works at multiple locations across the capital and reviewed the progress of the drive. Department officials said that engineers, maintenance staff, and field teams were deployed throughout the day, despite it being a Sunday, in order to complete the repairs within the stipulated timeframe. The minister emphasised the importance of timely completion to minimise inconvenience to commuters during the monsoon.

Many of the potholes being repaired are on roads that were constructed several years ago and have deteriorated over time due to heavy traffic and weather conditions. The PWD has been conducting regular maintenance drives, but the magnitude of the problem remains significant. The pre-monsoon repair drive is a proactive measure to prevent road deterioration during the rainy season, when waterlogging can worsen potholes and increase safety risks.

The PWD maintains a network of roads in the national capital, including major arterial and sub-arterial routes. The department has urged citizens to report any new potholes through its helpline and online platforms to facilitate prompt action. Officials stated that the repair work follows standard procedures, using appropriate materials to ensure durability.

The special drive on Sunday covered various locations across Delhi, including areas under the PWD's jurisdiction. The department expects to complete the remaining repairs within the next few days, weather permitting. The monsoon season in Delhi typically begins in late June, and the PWD aims to have all identified potholes repaired before the first heavy rainfall.

Road safety experts note that potholes can cause accidents, damage vehicles, and lead to traffic congestion. The PWD's efforts are part of a broader initiative to improve road infrastructure and safety in the capital. The minister's inspection and the deployment of additional staff on a holiday underscore the government's commitment to addressing this issue.

During his inspection, Minister Verma directed officials to ensure that all repairs are completed within the next two days and that quality is not compromised. He also reviewed the condition of roads that have been recently repaired and instructed teams to be vigilant during the monsoon season for any new potholes that may appear.