When was JM Road constructed?

Construction began in 1974, and the road was opened on 1 January 1976.

Who constructed JM Road?

The project was awarded to Recondo, with Mohanlal Mathrani Construction serving as the local subcontractor responsible for project execution.

Why is JM Road famous?

It became renowned for its exceptional durability, proper drainage, advanced Hot Mix Asphalt construction, and long-term engineering design.

What lessons does JM Road offer modern infrastructure?

Investing in quality materials, proper drainage, future utility planning, and sound engineering principles results in infrastructure that performs reliably for decades.

PUNE ROAD HISTORY · AUG 2026

The story behind Pune's legendary JM Road

Every Punekar knows Jangli Maharaj (JM) Road. It is one of the city's busiest commercial streets, lined with restaurants, offices, retail stores, and thousands of vehicles every day. Yet, for decades, it earned a reputation for something unusual: it remained remarkably free of potholes while many other roads required frequent repairs.

What made JM Road different? The answer lies in a bold engineering decision taken in the early 1970s, a commitment to quality over cost, and the expertise of the engineers and contractors who executed the project.

The beginning

After Maharashtra's severe drought in 1972, heavy rains in 1973 exposed the poor condition of Pune's roads. Then PMC Standing Committee Chairman Shrikant Shirole wanted to understand why Mumbai's roads performed better under similar conditions.

His search led him to Recondo, a Mumbai-based engineering company known for its advanced Hot Mix Asphalt technology. Instead of following the conventional approach, PMC awarded Recondo the responsibility of reconstructing JM Road with a written 10-year guarantee, a bold commitment for that era.

Mohanlal Mathrani Construction's role

While Recondo received the contract, the project was executed on the ground with Mohanlal Mathrani Construction as the local subcontractor.

Independent reporting by The Indian Express identifies Mohanlal Mathrani Construction as the execution partner and includes insights from Chandan Mathrani, whose engineering observations explain why the road has performed so well over the decades.

For us, JM Road represents more than just another completed project. It reflects an engineering philosophy that prioritised durability, planning, and quality workmanship.

Why has JM Road lasted so long?

JM Road's longevity wasn't luck. It was the result of sound engineering principles.

Proper foundation

The road was constructed from the base upward using appropriate pavement thickness, quality aggregates, and carefully selected bitumen instead of simply applying another asphalt layer.

Hot Mix Asphalt technology

One of the biggest innovations was the use of Hot Mix Asphalt, where aggregates and bitumen were heated, mixed uniformly, and compacted while hot. This created a stronger, denser, and longer-lasting pavement.

Drainage first

One of the biggest causes of potholes is standing water. JM Road was designed with proper gradients and storm-water drainage so rainwater would flow away quickly instead of penetrating the pavement structure. PMC engineers have credited this drainage design as one of the primary reasons for the road's exceptional durability.

Planning for the future

The road wasn't designed only for the traffic of the 1970s. It was engineered with future traffic growth in mind and included utility ducts so that electrical and other underground services could be installed without repeatedly cutting the road surface. This forward-thinking approach significantly reduced long-term damage.

The engineering behind the project

A key figure associated with Recondo was Norman Henry Taylor, an English civil engineer who introduced advanced Hot Mix Asphalt technology and held several patents related to asphalt engineering. His work helped shape one of Pune's most successful road construction projects.

Construction of JM Road began in 1974, and the completed road was handed over to the Pune Municipal Corporation on 1 January 1976 with an unprecedented written guarantee. More than five decades later, it continues to be recognised as one of Pune's finest examples of durable urban road construction.

A legacy that still matters

Its story demonstrates that long-lasting infrastructure is achieved through careful planning, quality materials, proper drainage, and disciplined execution, not shortcuts.

Looking ahead

At Mohanlal Mathrani Construction, we continue to believe that infrastructure should be built to serve generations, not just meet today's requirements.

Projects like JM Road remind us that when engineering, workmanship, and long-term thinking come together, infrastructure can become part of a city's legacy.

Frequently asked questions

When was JM Road constructed?: Construction began in 1974, and the road was opened on 1 January 1976.
Who constructed JM Road?: The project was awarded to Recondo, with Mohanlal Mathrani Construction serving as the local subcontractor responsible for project execution.
Why is JM Road famous?: It became renowned for its exceptional durability, proper drainage, advanced Hot Mix Asphalt construction, and long-term engineering design.
What lessons does JM Road offer modern infrastructure?: Investing in quality materials, proper drainage, future utility planning, and sound engineering principles results in infrastructure that performs reliably for decades.

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