Pothole-free roads to become reality as PWD implements innovative project

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The days are coming when you can drive without fear of gutters on state highways and major roads. The Public Works Department is implementing a pothole road project to make the roads gutter-free. This was announced in the last budget.

The maintenance along with the road work will be handed over to the contractors. The gutters will be closed as soon as they are formed. This will also prevent the gutter from getting bigger and causing more damage to the road. Strict monitoring of the contractors will be done. The public can also put forward their complaints.

It's common for two-wheelers to fall into gutters resulting in injuries. Many have even lost the lives this way. Such accidents can be avoided when the pothole-free road project is implemented. Various action plans have been formulated for the implementation of the project.

1.Running contract

Road maintenance will be given to contractors for one year to ensure timely repairs. The worst 140 roads have been included in the first phase of the running contract. 9500 km of road is included in the second phase. This is expected to cost Rs 370 crore. Of this, Rs 184 crore has been sanctioned

2. OPBRC

System to ensure seven-year maintenance period for major roads. 443.71 km of roads in 10 districts will be maintained this way.

3. DLP

Upon completion of the work, maintenance will be entrusted to the contractor within a specified period. Boards will be set up to inform the public of this and ensure maintenance. If any discrepancies are noticed, the information can be reported to the number on the board.

4. BM and BC

Construction method of bitumen concreting on top of bitumen macadam for road durability. The water does not settle as it closes even the smallest cracks in the surface

5. Drainage

Drainage was made mandatory in flooded areas on the road. Shoulder concreting will done on the sides of the road in flooded areas