A smooth ride in Gujarat’s cities

Even as Mumbai struggles to get rid of potholes on its roads, big cities such as Gandhinagar and Ahmedabad in the neighbouring state of Gujarat have managed to keep their roads smooth, despite the monsoon.

Even as Mumbai struggles to get rid of potholes on its roads, big cities such as Gandhinagar and Ahmedabad in the neighbouring state of Gujarat have managed to keep their roads smooth, despite the monsoon.

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The formulae for pothole-free roads include strict emphasis on materials used, third party inspection and blacklisting errant contractors, Satyanarayansinh Rathore, principal secretary, roads and building department, government of Gujarat told Hindustan Times on Wednesday.

“We have a separate cell to monitor the whole system, and even if potholes do occur, the contractor has to repair them immediately,” said Rathore, explaining that there is a guarantee period of three to five years in the contract. “Ten percent of the total contract payment is kept as guarantee and encashed if the contractor does substandard work.”

Sunil Solanki, an Ahmedabad-based businessman, said the city’s roads have improved over the years. “'There are virtually no potholes this year and it has been a smooth drive,” he said. HTC