The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) is delving into the innovative realm of self-healing asphalt to revolutionize road maintenance across the country, aiming to combat the persistent problem of potholes, a significant cause of road accidents and fatalities.
Potholes in Thane, India (HT Photo) LINK
“We are considering ingenious and unconventional methods to improve durability and to address the issue of potholes,” a senior government official who requested anonymity told ET.
The government plans to conduct a thorough cost-benefit analysis before implementing the technology to ensure its feasibility and efficacy. The unique self-healing properties of this asphalt hold promise for providing a sustainable solution to the pothole menace.
Self-Healing Roads Explained
Self-healing roads, a concept revolving around the use of self-healing asphalt, are emerging as a game-changer in road construction and repair. This innovative material, often referred to as smart asphalt, is garnering attention for its ability to mend small cracks and prevent water seepage, ultimately enhancing road durability and safety.
Erik Schlangen, a civil engineering professor at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, pioneered this technology. His creation involves embedding steel fibers and epoxy capsules into the asphalt, which, when activated by heat from an induction machine, facilitate the self-repair process. Remarkably, some self-healing roads have been developed in the Netherlands, showcasing the potential of this groundbreaking technology to autonomously close cracks without external intervention.
While the initial manufacturing costs may be higher, researchers believe that the elimination of maintenance expenses could make self-healing roads more cost-effective in the long term. Furthermore, the durability of these roads could extend up to 80 years, significantly outlasting conventional road surfaces.
Schlangen also highlights additional benefits of this technology, particularly its potential to facilitate wireless charging for electric vehicles. By incorporating steel fibers into the asphalt, roads could potentially transmit electricity, allowing electric cars to charge while in motion or stationary at traffic lights.
"This is early, but we are going to make some trials in front of traffic lights, where the idea is that you can charge your car a bit while waiting in traffic," Schlangen explains, underscoring the exciting possibilities that self-healing roads offer for future transportation infrastructure.
60% Increase in the National Highways and upgraded Infrastructure in the Modi regime
Roads serve as lifelines for any nation, facilitating the movement of people and goods vital for its growth and development. Under the leadership of the Modi government, India has witnessed a remarkable expansion of its national highway network. In 2014, when the government assumed office, the total length of national highways stood at 91,287 kilometers. Fast forward to 2024, and this figure has surged to 1.46 lakh kilometers, marking a staggering 60% increase over the past decade.
Anurag Jain, Secretary of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), highlights the monumental progress made in highway construction over the last ten years. During this period, an impressive 95,000 kilometers of national highways have been constructed across the country. This translates to an average daily construction rate of over 28.3 kilometers, representing a substantial 143% increase from 2014.
The commitment to infrastructure development is further underscored by the exponential rise in budgetary allocations for national highway construction. In 2014, the Ministry of Road Transport's budget stood at approximately ₹25,000 crore. In the latest 2024-25 budget, this allocation has surged to ₹2.78 lakh crore, reflecting a nearly tenfold increase in investment.
Indian Roads Pothole Problems
The scourge of potholes on Indian roads has long been a pressing concern, with devastating consequences for road safety and public welfare. Data from government sources paints a stark picture of the toll exacted by these road hazards, with a significant rise in accidents attributed to potholes over recent years. In 2022 alone, a staggering 4,446 accidents were recorded, resulting in the tragic loss of 1,856 lives and leaving 3,734 others injured. This represents a troubling escalation from the previous year, where 3,625 accidents claimed 1,483 lives and caused injury to 3,103 individuals.
Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari has acknowledged the severity of the issue, highlighting the government's commitment to address it through policy initiatives. In September of the preceding year, he announced efforts to formulate a comprehensive policy aimed at eradicating potholes from national highways, recognizing the urgent need for action.
The judiciary has also weighed in on the matter, with the Bombay High Court attributing fatalities resulting from encounters with potholes or manholes as "man-made" rather than natural occurrences. In a scathing rebuke to the state government, the court admonished authorities for their failure to address the deplorable state of roads, particularly in urban centers like Mumbai.
The Supreme Court, too, has expressed dismay over the unacceptable number of deaths caused by road accidents, including those resulting from encounters with potholes. A bench headed by Justice Madan B Lokur lamented that fatalities due to potholes may even surpass casualties inflicted by border conflicts or terrorist activities, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Self-healing Roads across the World
The success story of self-healing asphalt is not confined to the Netherlands alone. With 12 different roads in the country serving as testaments to its efficacy, one road has stood the test of time since 2010, maintaining its pristine condition with remarkable resilience, as highlighted by Schlangen.
The innovative technology has garnered attention beyond Dutch borders, with the United Kingdom also exploring its potential application on roads. Universities at Bath, Cardiff, and Cambridge are actively developing their own iterations of self-healing concrete, signaling a growing interest in harnessing the benefits of self-repairing infrastructure.
In India, the Road Transport and Highways Ministry's allocation of Rs 2,600 crore for road maintenance in the 2024-25 budget underscores a steadfast commitment to enhancing infrastructure quality and safety. This substantial investment reflects a consistent focus on ensuring smoother, safer journeys for road users across the nation, aligning with broader efforts to bolster India's transportation network and drive economic growth.
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