Following heavy rainfall in Raigad district, several roads were riddled with potholes, on of which was the stretch that connects Pen with the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. The road was being neglected due to an issue of jurisdiction between the Public Works Department (PWD) and the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC).
On Sunday night, the Khalapur police finally decided to take matters into their own hands, and started filling the potholes. “Our men told us that the potholes had worsened in the rain and there was a high risk of accidents, especially at night. We informed MSRDC officials and they said they would repair the road, but we were worried about motorists taking the road that nigh, so we decided to fill it,” senior police inspector Vishwajeet Kaingude, Khalapur police station, said.
On seeing police officials fill the potholes, local citizens took the cue and joined the efforts. “The locals were of great help. While some brought a JCB, others got sand and shovels, and worked with us through the night,” Mr. Kaingude said. He said the police’s role was primarily to guide motorists around the potholes and make them aware of the broken road, in order to avoid any mishaps.”
Amidst all the confusion on jurisdiction, the MSRDC has finally taken up work on the road. “We had a meeting with police officers and decided to carry out the repairs without waiting for clarity on the jurisdiction, as it posed a risk to human lives. The work began on Wednesday and will go on till Thursday,” Bhagvatrao Varekar, a consultant for MSRDC, said. Mr. Varekar said a new agency has been given the work from September 10.
“Being a connector to the expressway which comes under us, we have taken up the work on the stretch. Besides, maintenance work on old Mumbai-Pune highway and expressway, is also going on as per scheduleWe are in constant touch with the police and the Highway Safety Police and look into the road issues referred by them as well,” Rakesh Sonawane, executive engineer, MSRDC, said.
