Eknath Shinde vows Mumbai will be ‘pothole-free’ before monsoon
Eknath Shinde promises to make Mumbai ‘pothole-free’ ahead of monsoon season
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has made a strong promise to make Mumbai pothole-free before the monsoon begins. He said that road repairs and construction are happening at full speed, and no digging or pothole work will be allowed after May 31, 2025. His aim is to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey for citizens during the rainy season.
Speaking to the media, Shinde confirmed that the state government is focused on providing better road infrastructure. He said, “We have given clear instructions, and those are being followed. Cement-concrete roads are being built across Mumbai. After May 31, no digging will be allowed, and all potholes will be filled. We want to ensure that people don’t suffer because of bad roads.”
No more dug-up roads after May 31
Shinde stressed that departments in charge of road repairs must follow strict deadlines. He said no one will be allowed to dig roads after May 31, making it clear that the city must be ready before the rainy season starts. This deadline is important because in the past, many roads remained broken during the rains, creating traffic problems and risking accidents.
Shinde wants citizens to feel relief and comfort when they move around the city. He added that Mumbai would be completely pothole-free, which is a major promise considering the city’s long-standing issue with poor road conditions during the monsoon.
The Deputy CM's statement comes at a time when citizens often face inconvenience due to unfinished road works during the rains. Roads with potholes get waterlogged quickly, making it hard for vehicles and pedestrians to move safely.
Better infrastructure for a stronger Nation
At another event in Mumbai, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari also spoke about the need for strong infrastructure. He said India must build world-class roads and transport systems if it wants to become a global leader or "Vishwaguru".
Speaking at the 78th Vasant Vyakhyanmala organized by Amar Hind Mandal, Gadkari said, “If we want to make India the third-largest economy, or reach a five trillion-dollar economy as our Prime Minister dreams, we must first focus on building top-quality infrastructure.”
He added that strong roads, airports, and transport systems are essential for the country’s development. Without this, India cannot compete globally. According to him, reducing import dependency and increasing exports are also key to making India stronger. He said we must work to reduce logistics costs, so the country becomes more competitive.
Gadkari also raised concerns about Mumbai’s pollution levels. He said Mumbai is in the red zone when it comes to both air and water pollution, and this needs immediate attention. He urged authorities to take steps to control pollution and make the city cleaner.
Gadkari also warned road contractors that there should be no compromise in quality. “If any contractor gives poor-quality work, we will take strict action. They may face jail or be blacklisted. There will be no corruption,” he said firmly.
He assured that transparency is being maintained in every project, and the government is monitoring things closely. On the topic of toll charges, Gadkari said that in 15 days, a new policy will be introduced to address public complaints. He mentioned that while he wasn't speaking specifically about Maharashtra tolls, the national highway toll system would soon be improved to avoid complaints and reduce confusion.
He emphasized that good quality work will ensure the roads last longer and reduce the need for frequent repairs, which is a major cause of traffic issues and wastage of funds.
Strong push towards road reforms
Together, Shinde and Gadkari’s announcements reflect a strong political push toward better road infrastructure before the monsoon season. With the monsoon known for exposing the poor condition of roads, these promises come as a relief to the public.
Potholes have long been a problem in Mumbai, with several complaints and accidents reported every year. Poorly maintained roads not only slow down travel but also damage vehicles and cause health issues due to bumpy rides.
Shinde’s plan to completely stop road digging after May 31 is expected to force departments and contractors to finish their work on time. This will also ensure that the city is not left in a mess during the rainy season.
By shifting to cement-concrete roads, which are more durable than tar roads, the government hopes to reduce recurring expenses on repairs and provide long-lasting solutions. It is a move toward smart infrastructure, in line with the goal of making Mumbai a world-class city.
Gadkari’s larger message focused on how important infrastructure is for India’s future. He stressed that without high-quality infrastructure, India cannot become a true leader on the world stage.
He explained that logistics costs in India are still too high. To compete globally, we must bring these costs down to a single digit, which means less than 10%. This will help Indian businesses grow and export more.
He also repeated that pollution control in cities like Mumbai is vital. Clean air and water are part of good infrastructure, and citizens need healthy surroundings to live and work.
His comments reflect the government's overall goal of combining economic growth with environmental care and strong public services.
The announcements by Eknath Shinde and Nitin Gadkari point to a serious commitment toward improving Mumbai’s roads and preparing the city for the rainy season. With a clear deadline of May 31 for all digging activities and pothole repair, the administration is under pressure to perform.
At the same time, the focus on quality construction, pollution control, and strong infrastructure also shows a larger vision of making India a global economic leader.
For now, the people of Mumbai are hoping that the promises translate into real change—and that they won’t have to face pothole-filled roads this monsoon.
