Fresh concerns have emerged over the condition of roads in the Vasai-Virar region after potholes reportedly reappeared within weeks of repair work, leaving commuters frustrated and raising questions over the quality of infrastructure and maintenance.
Among those affected was Shravan Yadav, a 36-year-old resident of Waliv in Vasai East, who fractured his leg after his two-wheeler skidded on a pothole on Friday.
“The entire six-kilometre stretch from Vasai East to Vasai West is riddled with potholes,” he said. “It is impossible to manoeuvre your way through them without damaging your vehicle or hurting yourself.”
Residents say road conditions across areas under the Vasai-Virar City Municipal Corporation (VVCMC), Gram Panchayats and the Zilla Parishad have deteriorated significantly following the heavy rainfall between July 4 and July 8, with recurring potholes, waterlogging and damaged roads disrupting daily travel.
BJP corporator Manoj Patil alleged that despite the VVCMC allocating nearly Rs 25 crore annually for pothole repairs on internal roads, poor-quality work has resulted in recurring damage.
“The VVCMC has an annual budget of at least Rs 25 crore for repairing and patching potholes on internal roads,” said Patil. “But its officials have a cosy nexus with 12 selected contractors, who have the leeway to do a shoddy job. Naturally the potholes reappear within a couple of months.”
Traffic movement has also been affected. Prashant Langi, Senior Police Inspector (Traffic), said, “I have posted six constables on that road to manage traffic but due to the potholes, vehicles slow down and create a jam. We have written to the VVCMC to repair the road as soon as possible. However, due to continuous rain, even patchwork is not possible. When the rain stops for at least three days, the VVCMC will be able to repair the road.”
Responding to the criticism, VVCMC Commissioner Prithviraj PB said, “Traffic jams are not only because of potholes. As far as the Vasai East-West road is concerned, we have already blacklisted the contractor.”
Meanwhile, local representatives continue to push for a long-term solution. A proposal submitted in 2025 seeks to concretise 72 km of major and internal roads across Vasai, Nalasopara and Virar at an estimated cost of Rs 2,861 crore, with approvals currently under process.
Source: Hindustan Times
