Work to resurface Keshavsut Bridge on Tulsi Pipe Road was scheduled to start on Monday, but civic body now says it wants to wait so it can try out a durable new substance
Even as the monsoon clouds speed in our direction, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is moving at a leisurely pace with repair work on the pockmarked Keshavsut Bridge, Dadar (West), on the arterial Tulsi Pipe Road. It is yet to finalise what technology to use for the task.u00a0The civic body, which has been receiving flak for not maintaining and resurfacing the bridge, now says an ‘innovative’ new technology will be used to repair it.u00a0
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Patchy surface: Work on the Keshavsut bridge, Dadar was to be completed over 17 days, but will be delayed by a few more days. file piC
MiD DAY had earlier reported (‘Dadar Bridge to be repaired over 17 days’, May 10) that the work was scheduled to start last Monday. But according to latest reports from BMC officials, the bridge will have to wait longer. Claiming that a presentation made by a company yesterday impressed them, civic officials said they would be using nanotechnology for pothole repairs on the bridge.
MiD DAY had reported on May 10 that hot-mix method would be used to repair the bridge at Dadar
“Work on the bridge was supposed to start on Monday, but seniors authorities wanted to put it on hold so they could first take a look at this new technology,” said a senior BMC official, on condition of anonymity. The new technology is called Enduramix, and is said to be effective in maintaining impermeability. “It will be mixed with mortar as the top coating above the reinforced concrete on the road. It can also be used to fix potholes,” said the BMC official.
The contractor, who will implement the technology, said, “We will prove to citizens and the civic body that the technology is long-lasting, and will greatly extend the lifespan of roads and bridges. There is no need to repair them for the next five to seven years, once this mix is applied.” Rahul Shewale, BMC standing committee chairman, said, “The work on the bridge will begin soon and the new technology would be used to improve drivability on the bridge. The bridge needs to be repaired and we want to ensure that motorists don’t face hardships during the monsoon.”
N V Merani, chairman of STAC, said, “They have to begin the work as soon as possible, if they want the desired results.” If the experiment goes well, the same technology may be used to fix other potholes during the rains. Chief Engineer for roads, bridges and traffic R Ghodke, however, did not confirm the use of the technology. He said, “We are still discussing the technology and no decision has been taken yet.” Ironically, during repair attempts last year, the civic body had resurfaced a part of the same bridge for Rs 70,000, using a new eco-technology. This year, the BMC has allotted Rs 40 lakh for resurfacing the bridge. u00a0
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