Aiming to repeat the success achieved in Kochi, a demonstration was
given here on Wednesday by the Better Kochi Response Group (BKRG),
offering a ‘quick fix’ solution to the potholed roads. The members of
the Kochi-based NGO filled the potholes on the Vellayambalam-
Vazhuthacaud stretch using cold bitumen.

In a process that took
not more than 15 minutes, the product mix, which came in ready-to-use
packets, was filled in the cleaned holes and rammed. The traffic was
restored immediately after the process.

“Filling up holes using
cold mix or cold bitumen will last longer and can be done even during
rain. At Kochi, it was raining during the time of our demonstration and
it hardly affected our work. The technology is widely used in western
countries. It is not alien to Indian cities like Chennai, Puducherry etc
also. The major advantage is that it is not at all time-consuming and
will be set instantly. Plus, it saves the operational cost for hot-mix
plants, heavy machinery and road rollers. It lasts as long as the tar,”
said S Gopakumar,  president of BKRG.

“We have tried the product
earlier. But it was not much effective then. We will study about the
technology and if it can contribute to making the roads pothole-free, we
will surely use it. If so, we will appoint a single agency to complete
the works before monsoon in the coming year,” said PWD Secretary T O
Sooraj.

The organisation had given a demonstration a few days ago
on the roads in Kochi. “In Kochi, the City Corporation has taken a
decision to launch a mobile unit, that can reach various parts of the
city and rectify the potholes as soon as they are formed. Various
communication facilities like control rooms and FM channels can give
assistance to this service,” Gopakumar added.

Shelmac PR, the
product used for the process, costs Rs 875 for a 50-kg packet. For an
average-sized pothole, less than two packets will be enough. A small
team of workers can fill as many as sixty potholes within a days’ time.