New Delhi, June 21 -- In a race against the approaching monsoon, the Delhi government's Public Works Department (PWD) rolled out a special city-wide pothole repair drive on Sunday, deploying engineers and field teams across the capital to plug more than 2,000 identified craters and make roads safer for commuters before heavy rains set in.

PWD Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma personally inspected repair work at several locations, reviewing the progress of the drive while officials remained on the ground despite it being a holiday to complete the exercise within the stipulated time frame.

According to PWD records, a total of 14,757 potholes were identified on roads under the department between January 1 and June 4 this year. Of these, 12,762 had already been repaired. The remaining identified potholes are being targeted under the special pre-monsoon campaign.

Speaking during the inspection, Verma said, "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. 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."

The minister also stressed the importance of quality and accountability in road construction and maintenance.

"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.

"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," he said.

He added that the Delhi government is focused not only on creating infrastructure but also on ensuring its sustained quality through regular monitoring and timely maintenance as part of its broader monsoon preparedness strategy.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.