Delhi Minister Parvesh Verma leads repair of 2,000 potholes in a single day
New Delhi, June 21
Delhi Public Works Department Minister Parvesh Verma on Sunday led field staff and maintenance teams in repairing more than 2,000 potholes across the city in a single day.
According to departmental records, 14,757 potholes were identified on PWD roads between January 1 and June 4, 2026, out of which 12,762 potholes had already been repaired, said an official statement.
To address the remaining identified locations before the monsoon, the PWD launched Sunday's special drive targeting more than 2,000 potholes across the city, said Parvesh Verma.
"The PWD remains vigilant throughout the year in addressing complaints related to potholes and road maintenance. With the monsoon approaching, our focus is to ensure that roads are in the best possible condition before the rains begin," said the Minister.
"Today's special drive reflects that commitment. More than 2,000 identified potholes are being repaired across Delhi so that commuters can travel safely and comfortably during the rainy season," he said.
Earlier, engineers, field staff and maintenance teams were deployed across the capital to repair identified potholes on priority before the onset of heavy rains.
Parvesh Verma personally inspected repair works at multiple locations and reviewed the progress of the special drive. Despite it being a Sunday, PWD officials remained on the ground to complete the task within the stipulated timeframe.
"Road infrastructure must be built on the foundations of quality, accountability and long-term durability. Many of the potholes being repaired today are on roads constructed several years ago where quality standards were not adequately maintained," he said.
"We have strengthened quality control measures and introduced greater accountability. New roads being constructed by PWD are covered under a five-year maintenance provision, under which contractors are responsible for rectifying any defects that arise during the warranty period," the minister said.
He emphasised that the Delhi government is focused not only on creating infrastructure but also on ensuring its sustained quality and performance through regular monitoring and timely maintenance.
The special drive forms part of the Delhi government's broader pre-monsoon preparedness efforts aimed at improving road conditions, enhancing commuter safety and delivering durable, citizen-centric infrastructure across the capital, said the statement.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good initiative but 2,000 in one day sounds too good to be true. I've seen PWD patching work – sometimes it's just dumping cold mix that washes away in first rain. Let's see how these hold up after July downpours. Still, haath mein jhaadu lekar khud utarna (taking broom oneself) is commendable.
"14,757 potholes identified" – that's a lot! But the five-year maintenance clause is a welcome change. Earlier contractors would vanish after road completion. Now they can't run away from defects. Common sense governance, actually.
Sad that we celebrate the basics. In Singapore or Japan, potholes don't exist because maintenance is proactive. But in India, a minister personally filling potholes on a Sunday becomes news. Shows the pathetic state of our civic governance. No disrespect to the effort, but let's not normalise mediocrity.
I work near Rajpath and those roads were redone last year – no potholes even after heavy rains. So quality work is possible. The problem is old roads built by previous contractors. This minister seems serious. Woh bhi Sunday ko kaam kar raha hai (he's working on Sunday too). Respect.
My father was a PWD engineer in UP – he always said potholes are a political gold mine. First create bad roads, then 'fix' them before elections. Not saying that's happening here, but let's see if these roads stay smooth through August. Fingers crossed! 🚗
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