Concrete road repairs using bitumen raises questions

 

 

Concrete roads in the city, once hailed for their promised longevity, low-maintenance, and cost-efficiency, are increasingly becoming a source of public frustration. Widespread potholes and cracks are marring the city’s roads, necessitating frequent and seemingly ineffective repairs. A prime example of this growing concern is the Mangalwari railway overbridge, where a significant number of potholes, exposing underlying iron reinforcement, were recently ‘patched up’ with bitumen.

 

This particular location has seen prior bitumen repairs fail, casting serious doubt on the current approach. The recurring ineffectiveness of these repairs beg the question if patching concrete roads with bitumen is an appropriate method. Speaking to

 

‘The Hitavada’, Professor Dr Udit Jain, Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT), acknowledged that while instant patch repair mix having bitumen can be used for concrete road repairs, it demands a strict adherence to procedure. This involves thoroughly cleaning the pothole, applying an emulsion, and only then applying the repair mix. However, it remains unclear whether the local authorities are diligently following this crucial procedure. The swift deterioration of previous work on the Mangalwari RoB strongly suggests otherwise.

 

Regular commuters, bearing the brunt of these failing repairs, have voiced their skepticism, expressing fears that the latest patches will simply be washed away during the upcoming monsoon season, mirroring past experiences. The growing disparity between the initial promises and the current reality of city’s concrete roads is intensifying public disquiet and highlights the urgent need for a more robust and effective strategy for road maintenance.