How to make Bhubaneswar roads durable! New tech piloted

Local authorities have embarked on an ambitious project to enhance the road infrastructure by utilising Stone Matrix Asphalt (SMA) technology at key junctions in Bhubaneswar. In a pilot endeavour, this advanced paving method was applied at Capital Hospital Chhak on Thursday.

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The distinctive black surfacing is 25mm thick and incorporates small aggregate chips. The government plans to extend this resilient road surface to ten other significant intersections, including Airport Chhak, AG Chhak, Raj Bhawan Chhak, and Power House Chhak.

In addition, the stretch of road from the Railway Overbridge at Punama Gate to VSS Nagar Overbridge will receive a Mastic Asphalt Coating. This innovative approach aims to increase road resilience to wear and tear.

Experts in road safety suggest that this technology could expand the lifespan of roads to between seven and ten years, notably cutting down on the need for regular maintenance.

“This is certainly a welcome step, which will help prevent skidding of vehicles. The same technology should be adopted in other parts of the State,” a resident said to OTV.

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“These types of roads prevent skidding of the vehicles and require very low maintenance as well,” former National Road Safety Council (NRSC) member Syed Maqbool Ali stated when contacted.

“The coating with Mastic Asphalt should ideally be given up to 100 metres before ab crossing approaches and also 100 metres after it,” Maqbool Ali expressed.