HMDA plans micro-surface road from Gachibowli to Shamshabad

Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) officials are planning to lay micro- surface roads on 24 kilometre stretch from Gachibowli to Shamshabad. The HMDA would take up the project on pilot basis and based on the outcome, micro-surface roads will be laid along Outer Ring Road stretches.

The micro -surface road will be first of its kind in city and these roads are much cheaper and long lasting when compared to Bituminous (BT) road.

Micro-surface road (also referred to as ‘micro asphalt’, `micro’ or ‘thin surfacing’) is a `surface treatment’ for roads; one which is laid over the top of the existing surface to seal and protect it. It consists of a water based mix of stones and bitumen which is spread over the existing surface by a special machine.

It can take out minor dips and bumps; restore grip and texture and create a new and waterproof surface. But it will not repair structural faults.

The micro-surface roads will not only help the road damage due to rainfall and water logging but also protect from ultraviolet rays. By laying a micro-surface road, the height of the existing roads will not increase as the micro-surface is of 8 mm whereas the BT roads are of 40 mm.

A senior HMDA official said that the life of micro-surface road is longer than BT roads and will be taken up as pilot project from Gachibowli to Shamshabad as this route was open for the commuters in the year 2007. He said that if the micro surface is applied, traffic can flow on these roads within an hour.

He said that micro-surface will protect the layers of roads, would also increase the water proofing and will also improve the riding quality. Tenders would be invited for Gachibowli to Shamshabad stretch soon.

The official said that if the pilot project is successful, the department would take up the micro-surfacing on stretch of Shamshabad to Peddamberpet.