The Indian Express 29.07.2013
BMC looking at new methods for filling potholes
BMC plans to use US-based technology to detect potholes and
cracks on roads, test pavements, and identify utilities below the
ground.
“The technology will be used on an experimental basis and if it
is successful, it will be implemented to fill potholes and strengthen
the road network,” said Rahul Shewale, Shiv Sena corporator and standing
committee chairman.
An official said the technology will be mounted on a vehicle with
multi-positioned cameras, a ground penetrating radar and GPS. It will
detect and record potholes, cracks or any uneven surfaces on roads. The
details will be automatically get recorded. The mechanism also involves
an automatic system of fining and billing contractors.
“The vehicle can be driven across city roads to check the quality
of roads. The software will also log details on city maps. This will
make it easy for civic officials to fill potholes and ensure
accountability in the system,” said Shewale.
A senior civic official said the new technology would cost them Rs 50 lakh to Rs 1 crore.
The technology will also help maintenance and repair in other
departments, such as sewer and water repairs and street-widening
programmes, said Ashutosh Bhatnagar, partner, Blue Ocean & Solverra.
Meanwhile, the expensive jet patcher machines BMC bought five
years ago are lying idle. BMC had purchased three machines for spot
repairs of potholes from Crafco for Rs 78 lakh each. The machines were
supposed to fill potholes within hours while conventional pothole
repairs take 48 hours. BMC spent Rs 68 crore on the repair and
maintenance of the machines, but engineers were unable to use them due
to technical glitches — narrow roads and shape of the potholes.