Travelling on Indian roads is often an ordeal, be it in the cities or our on the highways, but if the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has its way, pockmarked roads and potholes on our nation’s roadways could soon be a thing of the past.
The NHAI has proposed an innovative approach involving self-healing asphalt technology to cure the woes of Indian roads. Imagine roads that can mend themselves autonomously, virtually eliminating the need for frequent and disruptive maintenance. This ingenious solution not only promises to enhance safety standards but also holds the potential to significantly extend the lifespan of our precious infrastructure.
Recognizing the transformative impact of this technology, a thorough cost-benefit analysis is being conducted. Their meticulous approach ensures that every resource is optimally allocated, maximizing the benefits for all stakeholders involved. The incorporation of steel wool fragments into the bitumen, the binding agent in asphalt, renders the bitumen conductive, enabling it to be heated through induction machines, seamlessly rebinding with the surrounding stones and gravel, and effectively pre-empting pothole formation.
The urgency of implementing such innovative measures cannot be overstated. The alarming surge in pothole-related accidents on our national highways in 2022, resulting in an appalling loss of lives, serves as a sobering reminder of the pressing need for action.
As we march towards a future of safer and more resilient roads, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has allocated a substantial Rs 2,600 crore for road maintenance in the fiscal year 2024-25. The NHAI is paving the way for a future where seamless and safe journeys are the norm, not the exception. Hopefully, this tech will be applied to our cities as well, where road surfaces resemble that of the moon more than planet earth, with potholes as large as craters waiting to swallow us whole. Here’s to safer, less bumpy journeys.
