Stretches of a recently inaugurated expressway, between Lucknow and Kanpur built at a cost of Rs 4,200 crore was severely damaged. India’s first e-way with AI-enabled traffic management system caved in on Aug 5. The National Highway Authority of India ordered the contractor to repair the 300-metre stretch at his cost. The contractor filled the sub-base course with binding material prior to treating the surface with bitumen and asphalt. Due to prevailing wet conditions and formation of new cracks in the repaired area, he used 12 pedestal fans to hasten the drying process, as the task had to be completed by Aug 7. The photos of the fans have gone viral and drawn taunts and criticisms. The Authority had earlier started the procedures to declare the contractor as non-performing and imposed a penalty. Looks like the company has strong cementing connections and is back in business. But what an idea. We are famous for jugaad but using fans to dry the road surface needs to be patented. With this method, more kilometres of roads, e-ways and highways can be laid per day so as create a world record, and our money will be gone with the breeze.
SRIDHAR DIYER, Caranzalem
