June 27: In a historic achievement, the Delhi Public Works Department (PWD) has set a world record by repairing 3,433 potholes across the city in just 24 hours. The feat, accomplished on June 26, is being hailed as a significant step toward enhancing road safety and urban infrastructure in the national capital.
According to officials, the large-scale operation was carried out across all 16 divisions of the PWD, involving more than 1,400 workers and over 250 machines. The initiative, named “Mission 3433”, commenced at midnight and continued until the target was successfully met within the same day.
The Delhi government confirmed that the achievement has been recognized by the India Book of Records. Officials have also submitted documentation to the Guinness World Records for validation under the category of “most potholes repaired by a government agency in one day.”
PWD Minister Atishi lauded the department’s efforts, stating, “This initiative reflects the government’s dedication to maintaining road infrastructure and ensuring the safety of commuters. Every repaired pothole represents a safer journey for our citizens.”
She further added that the department made extensive use of digital platforms to identify potholes reported by the public. Many of the potholes addressed during the record-setting drive were logged via a mobile application launched by the Delhi government earlier this year. The app enables citizens to report road damage in real time, promoting greater civic engagement.
Experts have welcomed the move, pointing out that potholes are a significant contributor to traffic accidents and vehicle damage. The timely repairs, particularly ahead of the monsoon season, are expected to reduce such risks substantially.
PWD officials revealed that the operation made use of cold-mix asphalt technology, which allows for faster and more environmentally friendly repairs. GPS-enabled trucks and a real-time digital dashboard were deployed to monitor progress and ensure transparency throughout the mission.
The department’s accomplishment comes at a critical time, with heavy rains expected in the coming weeks. The repairs are likely to ease traffic movement, reduce road hazards, and minimize disruption for Delhi’s millions of daily commuters.
With this initiative, Delhi has set a new benchmark for public infrastructure management. The Delhi PWD now aims to continue regular maintenance drives and incorporate more digital and sustainable practices in its future operations.
