Mumbai: Pothole-ridden roads inside Aarey set to be fixed, locals not happy with plan

Roads inside Aarey had become nearly impassable during last monsoon. File pics/Satej Shinde

Up to 40 kilometres of pothole-ridden roads inside Aarey colony are likely to be fixed before monsoon, but the seemingly good news has not enthused those living inside the green zone.

The Public Works Department has floated tenders worth '50 lakh to repair the roads between Unit 1 and Uni 8 and Unit 25 to Unit 32.

In the first week of July last year, mid-day had reported that few spells of rain had opened up the internal as well as main roads. Locals say the nearly impassable roads within the ecologically important area need to be relaid.

The main road going through Aarey connects Goregaon with Marol and Powai and it is maintained by the BMC.

Aarey resident Wasim Athaniya said the internal roads have remained in a poor state for years and any patchwork won't help. "Authorities should build concrete roads that have a longer lifespan and do not develop potholes easily."

Those living between Unit 9 and Unit 24 are upset that roads in their vicinity won't even be repaired. "We don't really understand why only certain roads will be repaired despite the fact that the condition of our roads is pathetic. If anyone visits the roads in these areas, they might wonder if there was any road," said another resident of Unit 15.

The Public Works Department's project also involves repairing government staff quarters and dairy structure inside Aarey.