Rapid road is in experimental phase, says BBMP chief after cracks show up

BENGALURU: After laying a 500-metre stretch of rapid road along Old Madras Road, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) had planned to adopt the same technology on other roads in the city, claiming that the road-laying work can be completed faster. But shockingly, the newly-laid stretch of rapid road has developed cracks in just a month, raising concerns.

Earlier, the civic body had claimed that the rapid roads do not develop potholes and can last up to 45 years. After the road developed cracks, commuters blamed the civic body for the poor road work.

Tushar Giri Nath, BBMP Chief Commissioner.

“A 500-metre stretch of rapid road was laid on Old Madras Road on an experimental road. The issue of cracks will be mentioned in the report by IISc, but it has not been communicated to us so far. Based on the report, we will decide whether it is financially viable or not. As this is in the experimental phase, we have to decide on many things”, said BBMP Chief Commissioner Tushar Giri Nath.

Prahalad, BBMP Chief Engineer.

“The rapid road is constructed by BBMP and Ultra Tech cement company. I request people not to call it poor work. This is an experimental project that has gone through several stages before getting off the ground. We have asked IISc for a report on the rapid road. Any project will have some issues in the experimental phase. The crack that has developed is not deep, but a hairline crack. We have induced stress in the concrete. We will look into all the issues and try to make it better. We are looking into it and will check everything”, said BBMP Chief Engineer Prahalad.