Mumbai Suburb Solves Pothole Menace: Switches To Cost Effective Ultra-Thin White Topping

Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) overseeing Bhayandar suburb near Mumbai has found a solution for the pothole menace that is troubling motorists. It is now switching to the ultra-thin white topping (UTWT), which is a cost-effective method to address the issue.

The municipal body is investing Rs 229 crore as loans on minimal interest on UTWT to provide pothole-free roads in Mumbai. This will enable a comfortable travel for the commuters. The road network is planned to give an easy access to the rest of the city.

The first phase of the project will carry a cost of Rs 100 crore by the MBMC. Public Works Department (PWD) is going to float tenders soon enough. 13 roads which are 9.49 km in length will be constructed, out of the sanctioned 21.5 km.

The Free Press Journal reported Municipal Commissioner Balaji Khatgaonkar as saying, “As compared to conventional method of concretising, this technology will save about 25 per cent of the cost. So it is cost-effective, although the concrete used in this technique will reduce thickness as compared to cement-concrete, the roads will be durable.”

Executive PWD Engineer Deepak Khambit said, “The design of UTWT mix has been approved by the Indian Institute of Technology and can be used to fast track road construction and also meet the prescribed strength standard. The technique involves a high performance concrete layer of about 200 mm in thickness.”