PRAYAGRAJ, June 15 -- As many as 203 roads across Prayagraj have developed potholes, causing inconvenience to commuters and residents ahead of the monsoon season. The condition came to light during a district-wide survey ordered by district magistrate Manish Kumar Verma to assess the state of roads before the onset of rains. Following the survey, all concerned departments have been directed to undertake immediate repair work on the damaged stretches, shared the DM. While roads typically deteriorate during the rainy season, officials said a significant number of roads have already developed potholes even before the monsoon arrives. The survey conducted by the public works department (PWD) identified damaged roads primarily in rural areas connecting towns and villages, officials said. The worst-affected stretches were found in Naini, Ghoorpur, Karchhana, Unchdih, Uruwa, Hanumanganj, Saidabad, Phulpur, Handia, Tharwai and Sahson areas. The survey also found around 35 kilometres of road network in poor condition. PWD officials said repair work would begin shortly in compliance with the district administration's directives. Officials added that the process of identifying new roads for construction and strengthening has also begun, although major construction works will be taken up after the monsoon season. Meanwhile, a large-scale road development initiative is set to transform the district's road infrastructure. Under the state's Rapid Economic Development Scheme, legislators and Members of Parliament from Prayagraj have proposed the construction and upgradation of 171 roads. The proposals were sought by chief minister Yogi Adityanath, who asked each MLA and MP to recommend development works worth Rs.5 crore to accelerate infrastructure growth. Acting on the directive, all 12 MLAs from Prayagraj and local MPs submitted their proposals to the rural engineering department. Executive engineer of the rural engineering department, SP Mishra, said the proposals have been forwarded to the state government for approval. Work is expected to begin after budgetary clearance and the tendering process, likely within the next month. Most of the proposed projects involve the construction and strengthening of key link roads in rural areas that have remained incomplete for years. Officials said several major rural routes have also been included to improve connectivity and ease transportation. The Rapid Economic Development Scheme is separate from the MLA and MP Local Area Development funds, with an additional allocation of Rs.5 crore each being provided under the programme to expedite development projects across the state....