August 28, 2025: Mumbai’s assurances of pothole-free roads ahead of Ganeshotsav have once again fallen short, with several arterial routes continuing to bear craters and uneven patches. Despite repeated pledges from civic officials that smooth passage would be guaranteed before the state festival, both commuters and procession organisers are now faced with hazardous stretches just as celebrations begin.
Neighbourhoods such as Andheri, Juhu, Sion Koliwada and Vikhroli remain badly affected. For Ganesh mandals, which depend on processional routes, the poor condition of the roads has raised serious concerns over safety and the dampening of festive spirit. What was meant to be a showcase of civic preparedness has instead underscored the fragile state of Mumbai’s infrastructure.
The monsoon has intensified the crisis. Civic records show that between August 1 and 22, over 4,000 new potholes appeared across the city, adding to nearly 8,000 complaints registered this season. For commuters, these translate into damaged vehicles, longer travel times and heightened stress. For community organisers, the risks extend to thousands of devotees walking alongside towering idols on treacherous, waterlogged surfaces.
Experts argue that the problem lies not only in poor repairs but also in the lack of long-term resilience in Mumbai’s road engineering. With climate unpredictability on the rise, failure to use durable, water-sensitive and eco-friendly materials ensures the cycle of deterioration continues. “Year after year, temporary fillings are laid, only to collapse with the rains. Without adopting sustainable technologies, this will remain an annual ordeal,” an infrastructure expert noted.
The civic body insists that intensified repair drives were launched last weekend, but blames unexpected downpours for delays. However, residents see the recurring pothole saga as a governance failure rather than a weather issue. As the city welcomes Lord Ganesh, citizens are seeking not just blessings but also tangible solutions: safer roads, greener infrastructure, and an end to seasonal promises.
Source: Urban Acres
