India, July 4 -- The Pune Municipal Corporation's (PMC) pothole and road repair work during the monsoon suffered a major setback because its only hot mix asphalt plant at Yerawada shut down due to a bitumen shortage. Without sufficient bitumen, the PMC's road repair work and the repair of sunken chambers have been severely affected.

The PMC Standing Committee on Thursday directed the civic administration to prioritize pothole repairs and ensure road maintenance continues despite the shortage.

PMC Road Department chief Rajesh Bankar said the hot mix plant has been non-functional for nearly a week because of irregular bitumen supplies. "We are not getting adequate bitumen. Normally, the PMC receives one vehicle carrying around 35 tonnes o...