Pune Takes A Step Towards Smoother Roads With Geopolymer ConcreteÂ
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After years of struggling to fix potholes and provide a seamless commute for citizens, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is now turning to geopolymer concrete for road repairs. This innovative material, a combination of sand, stone, and polymer, has been accredited by the Indian Road Congress (IRC) for road construction.
The benefits of geopolymer concrete are numerous. Roads can open to traffic in just two hours after repairs, significantly reducing downtime. Additionally, geopolymer concrete has shown excellent durability and resistance to wear and tear, making it an ideal solution for Pune’s roads.
Citizens and activists have been demanding a permanent solution to the pothole issue, criticizing the civic administration’s annual experiments that have yielded little success. The PMC had set a deadline to fix potholes before the Ganesh festival, but works remain incomplete. “The civic administration declares new experiments to resolve the problem every year, and fails,” said citizens.
To address these concerns, the PMC has issued tenders in six packages for tarring and pothole repairs using traditional materials (hot and cold mix) in areas like Katraj, Kondhwa, and Kothrud. Repairs are planned on 200km-long roads, with a majority already completed. According to civic data, over 10,000 potholes have been repaired since April 1, with 12,000 sqm of tarring works executed.
Senior PMC official Abjijit Dombe confirmed that geopolymer concrete is being tested in labs and will be used on a trial basis before large-scale implementation. “The civic administration is testing geopolymer concrete in labs. It will be used on a trial basis on a road stretch if the test results are satisfactory.”
However, citizens remain skeptical. A vegetable vendor from Kondhwa, highlighted the risks of damaged roads. “Commuting is risky due to damaged roads. Three-wheelers and vehicles get damaged, and accidents increase.”
With geopolymer concrete, Pune may finally find a lasting solution to its pothole woes. Only time will tell if this innovative material will bring smoother roads and a safer commute for the city’s residents.
