Chennai Corporation orders milling of roads before relaying bitumen
Engineers must remove existing surfaces to prevent rising road levels and ensure proper drainage, according to The Hindu.
The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has instructed engineers to use milling to remove existing bituminous surfaces before relaying roads. According to The Hindu, the directive aims to stop road levels from increasing through repeated resurfacing and to maintain effective drainage.
In a circular dated October 27, Commissioner G.S. Sameeran stated that engineers must inspect road slopes, drainage, and the levels of nearby properties before starting work. The instructions require the existing layer to be milled to a depth generally equal to the thickness of the new layer.
Engineers must use mechanical machines for milling, though manual removal is required in areas where machines cannot reach, such as near manholes or trees. The surface must be cleaned of all grit and loose material before the new bitumen is applied.
The GCC has directed that photographs of the milled surfaces be displayed at work sites. Additionally, manhole covers, drains, and footpaths must be adjusted to match the level of the completed road.
The move follows a representation made by the NGO Arappor Iyakkam to the Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department on October 6. Jayaram Venkatesan, convenor of Arappor Iyakkam, noted that the circular does not cover cement roads.
The instructions apply to all relevant bituminous road works in Chennai and must be followed by contractors, project management consultants, and engineers at all levels.