Karnataka govt signs MoU for instant pothole repair solution

Bengaluru

An event was organized on Thursday to sign a Tri-Party Agreement for the "Ecofix: Ready-to-Use Pothole Repair Mix" to quickly repair damaged roads across Karnataka. The agreement was made between the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI), the Public Works Department, Urban Development Department, Government of Karnataka, and Ramuka Global Services. However, due to urgent commitments, Hon'ble Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Hon'ble Minister for PWD Satish Jarkiholi could not attend. Instead, the agreement was signed in the presence of Dr. Shalini Rajneesh, Chief Secretary of the Government of Karnataka.

Ecofix, developed by CSIR-CRRI, uses iron and steel slag and is designed to fill waterlogged potholes efficiently, requiring minimal labor and allowing for immediate use of the repaired road.

A pilot project for Ecofix was carried out on SH-265 on December 10, 2024, in collaboration with CSIR-CRRI and Ramuka Global Services. This product is especially beneficial in districts with heavy rainfall and waterlogged areas, ensuring hassle-free transportation.

In urban areas with heavy traffic, potholes can be filled at night using Ecofix to ensure safe roads for traffic. The product, available in 30 kg and 50 kg bags, can be easily transported to work sites. The cost of filling potholes with Ecofix is approximately Rs. 15.70 per kg, reducing costs by 10% compared to cold mix tar. Ramuka Global Services, in collaboration with JSW Bellary, will manufacture and supply Ecofix within Karnataka.