Kolkata: The Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has started road repair work across Bidhannagar, as the authorities have identified 22 road stretches in Salt Lake where the existing damaged bituminous asphalt layer will be replaced with concrete paver blocks.A total of 193 road stretches across the BMC area of Salt Lake and Rajarhat Gopalpur will be repaired using different methods according to the requirements. Work is targeted to be completed before Durga Puja.Officials said that emphasis is being given to using concrete blocks to increase the convenience and durability of roadwork. “Roads where damage occurs repeatedly have been identified. These stretches will be repaired with concrete paver blocks. Work has been taken up to complete road repair and renovation work before the festive season,” said an official.Officials said that tenders have been floated to renovate 63 roads in Salt Lake. Among them, several main roads will be made of concrete blocks. Work has already started in front of Bidhannagar North police station. Similarly, the stretch in front of Anindita Island is also being relaid with concrete blocks. Officials said that as for the inner roads inside the blocks, they will be relaid with mastic along with bitumen asphalt.About two years ago, concrete blocks were laid in a small section at the entrance to Salt Lake from Kadapara Crossing. “Unlike a bituminous surface, a concrete paver block surface lasts for several years and does not get damaged from rain,” said an official.Experts said concrete paver blocks are not only durable, they are easily maintained. “Water is the main enemy for bituminous surface roads. If a road is cut and dug into for utility work, it is easier to repair them as the paver blocks can just be lifted and fixed back once work is completed,” the official added.
