In response to increasing complaints about deteriorating road conditions in Pune, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has decided to centralize the restoration of roads following utility excavations. Municipal commissioner Naval Kishore Ram issued an order stating that only the PMC road department will be responsible for restoring roads that have been dug up for utilities such as water supply, sewerage, electricity, and telecom. This decision comes after numerous instances where roads repaired by various departments or contractors quickly fell into disrepair, resulting in potholes and uneven surfaces that pose traffic hazards. Rajesh Bankar, chief superintendent of the PMC road department, emphasized that inconsistent methods and lack of supervision have contributed to these issues. By centralizing the process, the PMC aims to enhance coordination, enforce stricter quality controls, and ultimately extend the lifespan of the roads. Additionally, the new directive requires that departments seeking excavation permits provide necessary funding for restoration in advance and adhere to defined quality standards and timelines for completion.