Thiruvananthapuram corporation lacks pothole-filling machines for patchworks

Thiruvananthapuram: While the PWD has managed to cut cost and provide a respite to motorists through patchworks, the city corporation lacks such a mechanism. The corporation road that gets bumpy remains pothole-ridden as it has not pothole-filling machine. “We had a pothole machine in 2000. It was lorry-mounted and operated for a week. It was taken off the road as it was unsuitable for small roads. Miniature ones for smaller roads were never proposed thereafter,” said V.S. Padmakumar, former works standing committee member.

As per experts, the pothole formation was rapid in certain wards which were wetlands or paddy fields. “Our increasing vehicle density demands pothole fixing machines. Bigger cities in India have machines ranging from Rs 40 lakh toRs 5 crore depending on the technology,” said a corporation engineer. Meanwhile, the PWD which started works after monsoon showers have been choosy about filling the potholes.

Potholes at areas such as Vazhuthacaud, Killipalam, Attakulngara and Thirumala were filled. At Thirumala and on Attakulangara, several smaller holes were left unrepaired. PWD officials told Deccan Chronicle that they will look into the issue. Such works had started in all Assembly constituencies, they added.