Despite receiving only 15 inches of rain this season, Ahmedabad—touted as a Smart City—has quickly turned into a pothole-ridden landscape, underscoring the civic authorities’ lack of preparedness for the monsoon.
Currently, roads in at least 13 areas of the city are severely damaged, though an official tally of potholes is still awaited.
Waterlogging and damaged roads have once again disrupted life for Amdavadis. On June 25, residents of East Ahmedabad were forced to abandon their vehicles and wade through nearly 4 km of knee-deep water to get home.
Potholes are also creating serious hazards for two-wheeler riders, who face a high risk of skidding and injury on the uneven roads. Many commuters have reported experiencing persistent neck and back pain due to the constant jolts from riding over cratered streets.
In September 2024, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) reportedly spent ₹1.20 crore to fix just 44 potholes. Overall, an estimated ₹1,000 crore is spent annually by the civic body, contractors, and political representatives on road construction, resurfacing, and pothole repairs.
Yet, with the onset of the first monsoon showers, the same potholes have reappeared—raising serious questions about the quality of work and accountability in the system.