Kochi: Kochi
Corporation is likely to opt for a ‘quick fix’ solution to fill the
num­erous potholes formed on major roads post monsoon rains. It plans to
set up ‘mobile units’ to fill  potholes on a temporary basis using
cold-mix bitumen on vital stretches in the city.

Earlier on
Saturday, an NGO ‘Better Kochi Resp­o­n­se Group’, conducted a live
demonstration of filling  potholes using the technology near the
regional passport office at Panampilly Nagar in the presence of top
officials of the Corporation and the GCDA.

“The technology is not
new and is even included in the PWD manual. What is prohibitive is  the
cost factor. But with  no other technology to repair roads during rains,
we’re considering  using it to fill potholes on city roads  as a
temporary relief. We’ve consulted PWD officials who have not raised any
objections,” sources said.

But the main concern of the corporation
is regar­ding its durability on roads with  heavy vehicular traffic.
“One of the major advantages is that vehicles can use the road within 10
to 15 minutes of refilling. But it may not be suitable for one-layer
roads and those  having heavy traffic like the National Highway. We plan
to use it at select locations,” they said.

NGO president S.
Go­pakumar  said  that Mayor Tony Chammany had shown keen interest in
the technology which is ideal for use in the rainy season. “Ideally the
roads should be repaired using the technology immediately after the
potholes are formed as it prevents the potholes from getting bigger and
hence lesser repair after  the monsoon is  over,” he said.