KAKKANAD: Pothole-filled roads in the state will soon be a thing of the past with the Public Works Department all set to introduce ‘Python 5000’, self-propelled pothole patching machine, on an experimental basis in the state.
The proposal came to reality when the state government gave the administrative sanction of `2 crore to fill the 275-km stretch of battered PWD roads.
“A Bangalore-based company is entrusted to rid the roads of potholes. On an experimental basis the company will fill around 275 km of road using the advanced machine,” said K S Raju, managing director, Kerala Construction Corporation.
Initially, roads in Ernakulam, Alappuzha and Muvattupuzha will get the benefit of the project. In Ernakulam, the agency will cover 160 km stretch and in Alappuzha 115 km.
The selection was prepared based on the report submitted by the PWD to the state government.
“The agency will look after the maintenance for one year. If proved to be successful we can adopt this system in other roads too,” Raju said.
‘Python 5000’ is economical and will be able to mend the crater-filled stretches long before they get bigger. Fast and quality patching works, ability to work during rain and travels at highway speeds are its features.
Commenting on the project PWD Minister V K Ebrahim Kunju said the company and the agency has to reach a deal to kick start the pilot project.
“The agreement will be signed soon and we hope the work will begin by mid-August. If the projects is found to meet the desired outcome the government will extend the project to other districts and also consider to own such a machine for the state,” the Minister said.