Kochi: At a time when the main roads in the state deteriorate with the first drop of rain, here is a model road as far as longevity is concerned.
The over two-km stretch between Desam and Athani along the NH-47 was last tarred over a decade ago. Except for the fading of thermoplastic border lines, the stretch offers a smooth ride for vehicles in one of the heavy traffic density areas.
The reason is micro-surfacing – the protective seal coat which extends the life of roads. The cost-effective method to renew the road surface protects it from moisture penetration and oxidation.
With even toll roads deteriorating, experts point out that it’s high time modern technologies like wet tarring concept and micro-surfacing are adopted to protect the roads.
“Look at the state of National Highways and toll roads in our state. The NH-47 bypass road from Aroor to Edapally is pathetic. Once it rains, dangerous potholes would be formed and left unattended for months. The average life of the stretch has come down to three months and needs retarring every year,” said Mr Upendra Narayan, traffic expert and former Road Safety Council member.
“The 20-km stretch from Desam to Angamali was laid nearly 13 years ago using the bituminous macadam and macadam concrete by the contractor ‘Technobharati’ company before being taken over by the NHAI. The micro-surfacing was done after eight years to prevent the rainwater from seeping in. The road stretch still is in good condition. Though the wet tarring is costly, the micro-surfacing is cheaper,” he said, while advocating that the NHAI and the PWD should start adopting the technologies in the monsoon-hit state.
