India, Aug. 8 -- Following public outrage over five recent deaths in Nashik allegedly linked to poor road conditions and potholes, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday pulled up officials and contractors responsible for road maintenance and directed the administration to stop giving excuses and instead provide concrete solutions to citizens.

During a meeting to review preparations for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela, scheduled to commence on October 31, Fadnavis instructed officials to step out of their offices and engage directly with the public. A casual approach would not be tolerated, he said.

The chief minister also ordered officials to impose penalties on contractors responsible for poor road work and ensure they are not awarded fu...