Crumbling Indore roads break bones, trigger anger, pain, politics:IMC claims repairs, opposition cites corruption; doctors see 40% rise in back injuries

Indore, the city that proudly flaunts its eight-time Swachh Survekshan crown, is now struggling with a new identity, roads shattered with potholes, battered surfaces, and craters that have turned daily commuting into a battle. Residents complain that every journey has become a gamble with safety, as the condition of roads continues to deteriorate with little visible relief. Worst-hit roads across the city The menace of potholes is visible on almost every arterial and internal road. Stretches like Teen Imli Bridge, Ring Road near Musakhedi, Chhawani Road, Atal Dwar Road, BRTS from Satyasai Square to Niranjanpur, Nipania, Banganga, Juni Indore, Mari Mata Square and the Eastern Ring Road service lanes have been reduced to dangerous obstacle courses. In several places, traffic slows to a crawl, two-wheeler riders face jolts that can throw them off balance, and cars swerve dangerously to avoid deep craters. A silent epidemic of pain Beyond traffic snarls, potholes are triggering a growing health crisis. At MY Hospital’s Physiotherapy Department, doctors confirm a sharp rise in patients reporting back and neck injuries caused by pothole shocks. Every time a bike wheel crashes into a pothole, the jolt travels up the spine, straining muscles and compressing nerves. We are seeing slipped discs and chronic spinal issues even in people in their twenties. said Dr. Manish Goyal, Head of Physiotherapy, MY Hospital. Patients narrate grim experiences Sunil Sharma, 32, now wears a belt to office due to back pain; Pooja, 27, suffers neck spasms; and Rakesh Chaudhary, 24, a delivery boy, describes his work as ‘a punishment of shocks and pain.’ Monsoon and agencies blamed, patchwork started
Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargav defended the IMC, and said, A few weeks ago, the Mayor had dashed off a letter to the Chief Secretary, blaming external agencies such as the IDA, NHAI, Metro Department and MP Road Development Corporation for failing to maintain alternate routes during construction. Their negligence has created craters and triggered accidents, damaging the city’s image. Citizens blame IMC, but these agencies are responsible. he wrote. Opposition calls it counter the ‘Darkest phase of IMC’ Leader of Opposition in IMC, Chintu Choukse, accused the ruling BJP council of corruption and complete mismanagement. Choukse argued that potholes reflect a systemic governance failure, where excuses of rain and development works mask negligence year after year, while accidents and health problems mount. Congress corporators staged a protest against IMC to highlight poor road conditions near Musakhedi Square and later staged demonstration during IMC’s session. RSS workers had to make temporary arrangements before Path Sanchalan Public anger intensified when a video of RSS workers in Bangarda filling potholes with wooden planks before their Path Sanchalan went viral. Citizens pointed out that when residents must patch up roads themselves, it is proof that civic management has collapsed. Indore truckers seek FIR against officials The Indore Truck Operators and Transport Association (ITOTA) has written to Tejaji Nagar police demanding action against officials responsible for poor road conditions between Rau Circle and Kshipra. The association claims nearly 50 accidents in three months due to potholes and damaged roads. Truck operators allege negligence by road construction and toll collection agencies, pointing out a recent accident involving a truck carrying goods that overturned, injuring the driver and helper. ITOTA has urged filing of an FIR against the responsible officers, warning that unless action is taken, accidents will continue endangering lives and property. A daily nightmare Indore’s crumbling roads are no longer just an urban eyesore. They are breaking bones, damaging spines, slowing traffic, and sparking a political blame-game. While the IMC promises repairs and blames agencies, the Opposition calls it corruption, and doctors warn of a rising tide of preventable injuries. For the city that prides itself on being India’s cleanest, potholes have turned Indore into something else: a capital of broken roads. ​