Mumbai civic body tests new pothole mix at six spots

The pothole-filling cold mix has been manufactured at the civic body’s asphalt plant in Worli.

To be better prepared this monsoon, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has begun testing its pothole-filling material . The trial of the pothole-filling cold mix – which was manufactured in the civic body’s asphalt plant in Worli – was conducted in Fort, Byculla, Andheri (West), Ghatkopar, Govandi, and Borivli. Vinod Chithore, chief engineer (roads), said, “The new composition will not disintegrate and stick to vehicle tires. We are testing this mix using water to see how well it will withstand rains.”

This year, BMC decided to buy raw materials from a German firm and manufacture its own pothole mix to reduce costs. (Representational photo)

The cold mix is expected to be especially effective during monsoon, as the pothole mix will dry quickly and not disintegrate under heavy traffic, said an official from the roads department on condition of anonymity. A German-made patent chemical adhesive will also be added to the raw material to make the mix stronger, added the official.

In addition to the six spots, all 24 wards have been asked to identify 10 potholes in each ward for testing the material. BMC will train workers in each ward on how the material should be used.

READ: BMC to make special pothole-filling mix by mid-June to fix Mumbai roads this monsoon

City councillors across party lines on Wednesday criticised the civic body’s road works, saying that the roads are not yet fixed despite rains being around the corner. “BMC makes a new pothole mix every year. It is proposing to fix potholes that will be made in year 2019-20. What about the existing potholes? When will these be fixed?” said BJP councillor Abhijeet Samant.

Samajwadi party leader and South Mumbai councillor, Rais Shaikh,said, “If the potholes are filled now, the mix will flow away in two days and block storm water drains when it rains. This will result in flooding.”

In response, Chithore said, “We cannot anticipate how many potholes will come up during monsoon. This year, we plan to make 2.5 metric tonnes of the mix. We will make more of it as and when it is needed across the city.”