FCC

KMC mulling over idea of using plastic mix to repair roads

2023-10-04

The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) is considering a novel approach to address road repair needs within the city. The civic body is contemplating the establishment of plants dedicated to the preparation of a plastic mix, intended for the restoration of smaller roads. This initiative comes in response to a list of vulnerable road stretches provided by the Kolkata Police, which identified over 300 areas in need of repair.

According to the Mayor of KMC, while road repair efforts have commenced in some locations, a significant number of roads remain in deteriorated conditions. For nearly two decades, road repairs had been carried out using a method involving 'mastic.' However, the practice was subsequently prohibited by the National Green Tribunal.

In response to this regulatory change, the state Public Works Department introduced 'mechanical mastic,' a concept inspired by international practices. The Mayor highlighted that the cost associated with mechanical mastic is nearly double that of the previous method, amounting to approximately ?13 per square foot. Additionally, this process is limited in its applicability and cannot be efficiently employed on roads other than major ones, presenting a challenge for KMC in addressing the extensive repair needs across the city.