Every journey across the city has turned into an unavoidable obstacle course. From major arterial roads to narrow residential lanes, potholes, crumbling surfaces and uneven patches have become the defining feature of Nagpur’s monsoon landscape. Commuters are forced to dodge water-filled craters, crawl through damaged stretches and risk accidents every day, as growing frustration mounts over the city’s failing road infrastructure and recurring patchwork repairs in Sakkardara, Old Mangalwari, Manish Nagar, Besa, Manewada, Ashirwad Nagar, Ganesh Nagar, Tiranga Square, Nandanvan, Godhni, and many more areas. With rainfall exposing the bad condition of roads, citizens say driving has become increasingly unsafe. Even during non rainy days, it becomes uncomfortable and bumpy ride for the commuters, then imagine what must be the situation for the riders in monsoon.

 

Water-logged potholes often remain hidden beneath muddy rainwater, making them difficult to spot until it is too late. Motorists are also forced to apply sudden brakes or swerve to avoid damaged stretches, increasing the chances of collisions. Residents allege that despite repeated complaints, authorities continue to rely on temporary patchwork instead of carrying out durable road repairs. In several locations, repaired patches are washed away after just a few spells of rain, leaving roads in an even worse condition. The cycle repeats every monsoon, raising concerns over the quality of road construction and the effective use of public funds. The deteriorating road conditions have also contributed in accidents during the rainy season.

 

“Skidding vehicles, damaged suspensions, punctured tyres and falls involving two-wheelers have become a common sight,” said Divya Thakur, a commuter. Apart from posing safety risks, the damaged roads are also causing traffic congestion, longer travel times and higher vehicle maintenance costs. Office-goers, students, delivery personnel and public transport users are bearing the brunt of the problem every day. Many commuters say they now spend more time navigating potholes than driving normally, while constant road damage has added to their daily stress. Citizens are demanding permanent, scientific road repairs instead of cosmetic patchwork that lasts only until the next spell of rain. They believe quality construction, strict accountability and timely maintenance are the only long-term solutions. With the monsoon still underway, residents say safe roads are no longer just a civic expectation - they are a necessity to prevent further accidents, protect lives and restore public confidence in the city’s infrastructure.