Concrete plan for sturdier roads

The civic agency has now decided to concretises these stretches,which are spread over 106 km across the Capital,as a “final solution” against potholes and similar damage.

This time,the Corporation plans to shed the conventional technique of using coal tar for laying roads and has proposed to use German bitumen foam technology. In this,concrete slabs are created and the compaction,uniform thickness and smoothness of surface of each such slab is ensured through mechanical pavers.

“This technology ensures longevity,smoothness and pothole-free surface for a over 20 years,” said Mayor Prithvi Raj Sawhney.

The MCD also plans to cover the existing non-concrete roads with an ultra-thin,white layer of concrete,to protect the roads during monsoons.

Sawhney said the proposal is under consideration. “We have prepared a plan for constructing cemented roads and replacing old coal tar technique. It is easier to construct concrete roads,as readymade cemented slabs,are easily available. They are also more durable. We are discussing the plan with our engineers to finalise cost and similar factors,” he said. Sahwney added the normal age of roads constructed using the old technique is around five years,but in most cases these roads last only for two to three years.

MCD’s decision,however,has failed to find support from many quarters including from the Opposition in the MCD House. Some members have claimed that concretisation tampers with the natural process of rainwater percolating through the ground.

“An major point the Civil Engineering department has failed to understand is the importance of creating slopes even along the concrete roads to enable water to percolate through stormwater drains,” said J K Sharma,leader of Opposition in MCD.