What are self repairing roads that NHAI want to try to tackle potholes on Indian roads?

Potholes have been one of the most challenging aspects of Indian roads, particularly in rural areas. As technology advances, there has been a significant increase in highway connectivity across the country. The National Highways Authority of India is looking into an innovative solution to the issue of potholes – self-healing materials for road construction.

According to DD News, this innovation will allow a road to repair itself autonomously using a new asphalt blend. This composite will consist of steel fibres and bitumen. When a gap forms, the bitumen expands to fill it, and the steel threads help to patch potholes. Aside from the benefit of reducing potholes, this technology has the potential to increase road durability and lower maintenance costs.

Potholes are a major problem for drivers in India, causing traffic jams, vehicle damage, and, in some cases, accidents. During the rainy season, the situation worsens as water weakens the roads. Although the concept of using self-repairing materials for roads is not new, it is still being discussed on a large scale in India. NHAI may conduct small tests on some highways to determine whether these materials work well and are worth the cost. Self-healing highways could be extremely beneficial for India’s roads in the future.