VMC inducts infrared recycling pothole repair machine

Vijayawada: The engineering wing of the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) has inducted an Infrared Recycling Pothole and Road Repair Mobile Machine to strengthen road maintenance operations and ensure quicker, more durable repairs across the city. The advanced equipment, procured at a cost of ₹1.48 crore, is expected to significantly improve the quality and longevity of road restoration works."Infrared technology enables the rapid repair of potholes and uneven road surfaces by reheating and recycling the existing asphalt instead of using freshly heated bitumen. Unlike conventional methods, the process restores damaged portions at the same temperature, ensuring durability comparable to new asphalt while reducing carbon emissions by up to 98 per cent," Vijayawada MP Kesineni Sivanath (Chinni) said while flagging off the machine, along with Vijayawada East MLA Gadde Ram Mohan Rao and civic body officials, in Guru Nanak Colony on Wednesday."Procured under the 15th Finance Commission grant, the machine was sanctioned under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)," the MP added. Vijayawada East MLA Gadde Ram Mohan Rao said that, with the induction of the infrared road-repairing machine, named "Road Doctor", even minor potholes across Vijayawada can be repaired within 15 minutes.Civic body officials said that the key advantages of the road-repairing machine include seamless repairs, eliminating cold joints, which are common weak points in conventional patchwork, and enhanced durability, as the old and new asphalt bond uniformly. The machine can also function as an all-weather utility, enabling pothole repairs even during moderate weather conditions, officials added.