As part of a statewide crackdown on dilapidated roads, the Gujarat government has issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for systematic pothole repairs. The move comes after over 15,500 potholes were fixed within just a week—by July 18—across the eight major municipal corporations.
The SOP, applicable to all 17 municipal corporations, includes daily surveys by designated engineers, time-bound repairs to be completed within 48 hours, and mandatory photo documentation of the work. It also outlines detailed procedures for patchwork and the materials to be used, ensuring both quality and accountability in road repair efforts.
According to a media report,”To ensure uniformity, quality and time-bound repair work with accountability, SOPs have been laid for the municipal corporations,” M Thennarasan, Principal Secretary, Urban Development department.
In the wake of the Gambhira bridge collapse in Vadodara on July 9 and rising concerns over road and bridge conditions across the state—especially on social media—the Gujarat government has launched a massive “damage control” campaign. The initiative is being directly monitored by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, with instructions issued to all municipal corporations and municipalities to complete road repairs within a week.
As part of the campaign, notices have been served to several contractors and civic body engineers. Many have been penalised and directed to carry out the necessary repair work at their own expense.
By July 18, nearly 15,500 potholes were repaired across eight major municipal corporations. Vadodara led with over 4,500 potholes fixed, followed by Ahmedabad with close to 4,300.
Under the new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for pothole repairs, engineers are required to conduct daily surveys of roads and document any damage. Complaints from residents—received through various channels—must also be recorded in a designated register and addressed in accordance with established guidelines.
Minor potholes should be repaired immediately, wherever possible. In cases of severe damage causing public inconvenience, repair work must be completed within 48 hours. Engineers are required to upload photographs of completed repairs within 72 hours, and all documentation—including photos and complaint resolution details—must be maintained in the official register, duly signed.
The SOP outlines specific steps for pothole repair:
- The damaged area must first be barricaded for safety.
- Irregular potholes should be marked and reshaped.
- Surfaces must be cleaned using wire brushes.
- Cold asphalt or emulsion is to be applied to dust-free surfaces.
- Hot mixes should be evenly spread in layers no thicker than 100 mm.
- If thicker repairs are needed, multiple layers must be applied and compacted accordingly.
Innovative methods such as Cold Emulsion Injection Pothole Patching and Infrared Recycling Pothole Technology have also been recommended for improved durability. As per the guidelines, repaired areas can be reopened to traffic two hours after being treated with stone dust.