Rejected 3 years ago, BMC to revive pothole-filling technology on trial basis

The municipal corporation is reviving the technology that it rejected for filling potholes, three years ago.

The municipal corporation is reviving the technology that it rejected for filling potholes, three years ago.

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The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will try the African carbon core technology in shallow potholes in the city and along a 1.25-km stretch in the western suburbs.

Followed by the Standing Technical Advisory Committee (STAC) recommendations about using carbon core technology on a trial basis, the civic body tested it on a few areas in the city and the suburbs in 2007.

However, after an assessment by the civic vigilance department, it was found that the material used to fill the potholes washed out in a few days.

BMC officials have now said that there was nothing wrong with the technology and it is a cartel of contractors, which for its vested interests, is showing reluctance in using it in the correct manner.

"If implemented appropriately, the technology can ensure that city roads remain better for the next few years," said an officer requesting anonymity.

Municipal Commissioner Swadheen Kshatriya said: "We will use the product on a trial basis as the STAC committee had recommended it earlier."

"The BMC will keep filling potholes regularly. We have instructed all ward officials to keep a vigil on roads and fill potholes in the rains too," he added.

He added that repairing roads leading to immersion points, will take priority.

The roads under Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority, Public Works Department and bridges under Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation will be repaired by the authority concerned.