MBMC’s ultra-thin toppings for pothole-free roads

The technology will be used to construct roads worth Rs 229 crore

To get rid of the annual woes of recurring potholes on roads, the Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) has now decided to switch to the Ultra-Thin White Topping (UTWT)-a cost effective yet durable technique for developing roads in the twin-city.

To provide easy, speedy and comfortable travel in-and out from the twin-city, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is all set to infuse more than Rs 229 crore as loans at minimal interest to develop and enhance the road network of the region. In the first phase of the project which carries a price tag of Rs.100 crore, the Public Works Department of the MBMC will soon float tenders for the construction of 13 roads stretching nearly 9.49 km. out of the sanctioned 21.5 km under the scheme by the MMRDA authorities. “As compared to conventional method of concretising, this technology will save about 25 percent 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,” informed municipal commissioner Balaji Khatgaonkar.

“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.” explained, Executive PWD EngineerDeepak Khambit.

The civic administration will ensure presence of utility ducts at needed intervals on all these roads so that need of digging does not arise for various service providing agencies.