BBMP says ‘micro-surfacing’ technology is being used for first time in the city
At a time when crumbling roads and potholes are the talk of the town, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has started micro-surfacing the stretch between Cubbon Circle and Manipal Centre. The technology, also called Road Doctor, guarantees durability up to three years, preventing potholes and water-logging. The work — for the first time being implemented in the city — started on Tuesday.
According to BBMP officials, the micro-surfacing process involves coating the road with a 6-mm thick slurry seal which reinforces asphalting keeps it from wearing out. Besides, it also keeps the road dry and makes the ride smoother. Micro-surfacing of the 2-km stretch is likely to cost around Rs I crore.
According to experts, the 6-mm slurry seal will keep the road surface safe from waterlogging and other related damages. The BBMP had already issued work order to an Ahmedabad-based company and the work was to start before July 15, but extended monsoon delayed the process.
Somashekhara, Chief Engineer, Road Infrastructure, BBMP, told BM, “The work has started and it does not require much time to get adjusted to the actual surface of the road. The pace of the work will depend on the extent of rainfall in the city. However, commuters can expect a smooth ride in a week.” Micro-surfacing Cubbon Road will cost the BBMP Rs 1 crore for the 2-km stretch. The technology has been adopted widely in foreign countries, but is still comparatively new to India. Outside of Bengaluru, it has been successfully tried in Chandigarh, Chennai and Hyderabad.

SMOOTH DRIVE
*Micro-surfacing provides a smooth, black, durable pavement surface
*It can be applied in a broad range of temperature and weather conditions
*It is particularly suitable for night applications on heavy traffic streets, highways, and airfields
*Applied at ambient temperatures, micro-surfacing has low-energy requirements
*It is environmentally safe, with no pollutants
*On asphalt pavement, it can be used for texturing, sealing and rut-filling
*It can be applied in a thin lift.
*It sets quickly. Roads can be reopened in about an hour