Archive · 21 Sep 2025
Kolkata Municipal Corporation Addresses Potholes Before Puja
The city of Kolkata is trying to fix potholes on its roads before the big Durga Puja festival.
Over 300 road sections have been fixed.
However, experts say that these are quick fixes and not long-term solutions.
The roads often get damaged again quickly.
The problems include a lack of good planning and the failure to fix drainage issues.
One of the problems is frequent digging of the roads to fix utility lines.
Officials are also unable to use mastic asphalt for road repairs.
The city is trying to use paver blocks in certain areas.
Some people think this won’t fix everything either.
They say that proper drainage is the real solution.
KMC has repaired over 300 road sections to address potholes before Durga Puja.
Engineers and experts suggest that current repairs are quick fixes.
The EM Bypass last underwent a thorough repair in 2013.
Officials attribute the poor road conditions to inadequate planning and a focus on superficial repairs.
KMC is implementing paver blocks and exploring new methods for road repair, including potential use of mastic asphalt.
- Who
- Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC)
- What
- Addressing potholes and road conditions in Kolkata, specifically before Durga Puja.
- When
- Ongoing, with a focus on preparations for Durga Puja.
- Where
- Kolkata, India, with particular attention to roads like EM Bypass.
- Why
- To improve road conditions and address public concerns about road quality.
Pro-Planning
Short-term Solutions
Planning vs. Patchwork
Pro-Planning
Comprehensive planning and long-term solutions are needed.
Short-term Solutions
Current strategy prioritizes quick fixes and temporary solutions.
Drainage Solutions
Pro-Planning
Addressing the drainage issues is necessary for lasting solutions.
Short-term Solutions
Patchwork is being prescribed as a solution rather than addressing the root cause.
- Entity
- Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC)
- Focus
- Road repair and pothole fixing
- Location
- Kolkata
- Recent Repairs
- 300+ road sections repaired in preparation for Durga Puja
- EM Bypass
- Last thorough repair in 2013
- Mayor's Action
- Toured arterial roads to assess condition
- Mastic Asphalt
- Cannot be used for road repairs due to National Green Tribunal restrictions