Thiruvananthapuram: After a long gap, the city roads will finally get an ‘overlay’, which involves laying of additional layers over an existing structure.The public works department (PWD) will ensure bituminous macadam-bituminous concrete (BM-BC) overlay for various stretches in the city. The PWD began the exercise after doing periodic patchworks in the stretch for over three to six years.Among the stretches where works are planned, Peroorkada-Sasthamangalam stretch and Ambalamukku-Paruthipara stretch are taken up as part of the restoration after pipe laying works. Kerala water authority (KWA) has paid around Rs 4 crore for the restoration of these portions. Residents had protested against delay in overlay of the roads that were dug up for pipe laying works. Now, PWD has completed tarring Ambalamukku-Muttada and Peroorkada-Oolampara stretches.The other stretches where PWD is doing BM-BC overlay include Bakery Junction-Vazhuthacaud stretch, Bakery Junction-Women’s College stretch, Bakery Junction-Secretariat-Spencer Junction stretch, Mannamoola-Mannarakonam stretch, Women’s College-Panavila-Housing Board stretch, Vattiyoorkavu-Vellaikkadavu stretch, Poojappura-Thirumala-Valiyavila stretch, Dewasom Board-Kowdiar stretch, Ambalanagar Road, Vazhayila-Kizahakkemukkola stretch, Sasthamangalam-PTP Nagar stretch and Manacaud-Thiruvallam stretch.Sources in PWD said that some of these stretches are in dire need of an overlay. “Due to fund crunch, we were able to do only patchworks in these stretches. While a normal BM-BC road would require an overlay after three years, most of these stretches were deprived of maintenance for over three to six years. Now works are being done using PWD’s own fund and also using the restoration charge provided by KWA,” said an official.KWA officials said that the work should have started ahead of June, however, rain delayed it. Some works such as laying of pipe lines were completed only after June.In addition to overlay, PWD is also planning to install sign boards and reflectors as part of road safety initiatives. PWD will also initiate works on drains and footpaths.The residents’ association in Ambalamukku-Muttada region had started a citizens’ monitoring group to review the road maintenance works so as to ensure that there is no laxity from the part of officials.Meanwhile, PWD has started preparing an estimate of the damages caused by the recent flood in the city. “Compared to other districts, flood did not result in huge damages here. Still some roads were damaged. We will submit the report within a week. We hope adequate funds will be granted with which we will be able to complete restoration works of the damaged roads,” the official said.

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