Hubballi: Pothole repair works across Hubballi-Dharwad are moving at a sluggish pace, continuing to inconvenience motorists months after heavy monsoon rains battered the city’s roads. The Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) has identified as much as 47,383.2 sq m of potholes across the twin cities.Heavy rainfall between June and Nov 2025 caused extensive damage to road surfaces, leaving commuters to navigate hazardous stretches. The civic body has estimated that the repair works will cost around Rs 5 crore. Officials attributed the delay to persistent rains and related technical issues, though they said efforts are under way to complete the repairs.Sources said that while the total pothole area stands at over 47,383.2 sq m, only 13,914.1 sq m have been filled so far. Some individual potholes measure up to 30 sq m. Roads have been severely damaged due to repeated digging for underground drainage (UGD), drinking water pipelines, and other development works. The situation has been compounded by financial constraints. According to motorists, HDMC is struggling to complete the repairs as the state govt has not provided additional sanctions. “Even local MLAs are finding it difficult to get funds released from the state govt,” said Hemanth Naik, a motorist.Another commuter, Prashant K from Navanagar, expressed concern over the poor condition of roads around Chennamma Circle and Hosur Road. “Vehicle movement has increased significantly, especially on major roads. These stretches need immediate repairs to ensure smooth traffic flow,” he said.HDMC commissioner Rudresh Gali told TOI that pothole filling on major roads has been taken up by the corporation. He said the roads would be repaired under various schemes, including the 15th Finance Commission plan and other urban development funds. “At an estimated cost of Rs 5 crore, the repair works are expected to be completed by the coming summer season,” he added.
