With the southwest monsoon almost at our doorstep, road repair works have suddenly gathered frantic momentum across the state. In places such as Mandrem and Mapusa, authorities and contractors were seen carrying out hotmixing operations even during heavy pre-monsoon showers. The urgency is understandable.Yet the larger question is whether hotmixing in rainy conditions serves any meaningful purpose at all. It does not require rocket science to understand that bituminous road work requires dry conditions for proper bonding. Water trapped between the road surface and the bitumen layer can eventually lead to cracking, potholes, and rapid deterioration. Goa has repeatedly seen this cycle of roads repaired in haste before the rains only to develop potholes again midway through the season. The result is not merely inconvenience to motorists but also a serious drain on public finances. Bitumen itself is an expensive petroleum product derived from crude oil. With geopolitical tensions and ongoing wars affecting global crude prices, the cost of bitumen is likely to rise further in the coming months. Authorities should prioritize road works during fair weather instead of rushing projects simply to meet deadlines.
