What is government doing to fix the pothole menace? Nitin Gadkari explains

Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari said his ministry is committed to providing good roads and will introduce a new technology to address the issue of potholes.
Speaking at India Today’s Mumbai Conclave, Gadkari explained that potholes are typically found on bitumen (asphalt) roads, which have a shorter lifespan and require more frequent maintenance. While there are fewer potholes on concrete roads, they lack the flexibility of bitumen roads, he added.
The minister noted that heavy rains have damaged even well-built concrete roads, a problem seen worldwide. To tackle this, he mentioned a technology called ‘white topping’, which could extend the lifespan of roads.
“There was a major seminar at IIT Bombay recently, attended by top experts. Ultratech also developed a white topping technology, which involves adding an extra layer of concrete over a bitumen pavement,” Gadkari said.
White topping is a road resurfacing technology where a concrete layer is placed over existing asphalt, strengthening the road, extending its lifespan, and reducing maintenance costs.
“As the MP for Nagpur, I can tell you we have all-concrete roads, and you won’t find potholes there. We will use white topping as well to ensure there are no more potholes,” Gadkari said.
“Today, I signed a document approving the use of white topping, which will further reduce the issue of potholes,” he added.
Addressing reports of potholes on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, Gadkari said, “I received reports of issues at two or three locations. For this, we have a five-year defect liability clause in our contract, which the contractor must comply with.”