Bengaluru: No let up in rain, no pothole fixing, says Sampath Raj

Bengaluru: It seems, Bengalureans will have no respite from killer potholes till the rain gods show mercy! Pothole-filling work can be taken up only after the rain stops, which may take at least four to five days.

Mayor Sampath Raj told Deccan Chronicle that it is unfortunate that there is no technology to fix potholes when it rains. Though cold tar can be used, its longevity is questionable. “The bitumen has to be of certain temperature for it to have the adhesive quality and cover the pothole. This means, potholes cannot be fixed until it stops raining,” he said.

“It is a real testing time for the BBMP and its engineers. All the assistant and assistant executive engineers of all the eight zones have been directed to be alert and to attend to any emergencies. They have been told to clean shoulder drains, vents and remove and transport the silt using tractors. Potholes should be fixed in their area on priority soon after the rain stops,” he said. The BBMP has estimated the city to have around 15,900 potholes, but the numbers have definitely gone up as there is no let-up in the downpour.

Potholes

“The BBMP has 25 hot bitumen mix plants at different places in the city. This helps the BBMP in transporting bitumen with required temperature to fill potholes. No bitumen is sent out of hot mix plants when it is raining and it needs at least 48 hours to prepare the bitumen after the rain stops,” Mr Raj said.

“Once the rain stops, pothole-filling work will be taken up on priority on all arterial and sub-arterial roads during the night to ensure that the vehicle movement is not affected. But pothole filling will be taken up during the day on roads that have less traffic movement,” he said.

“The embankment of Vrishabhavathi Valley near Nayandahalli on Mysuru Road has been strengthened and heightened with sand bags. The height of the retaining wall will also be increased later,” he said.