NHAI Trials Glass‑Grid Pavement Tech to Halt Cracks on Bengaluru Highway
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has initiated a groundbreaking trial of ‘Glass Grid Rapid’ technology on the Chennai-Bengaluru Highway (NH-44). This innovative method, designed to combat pervasive road cracks and enhance safety, involves laying a specialized glass bead layer on identified problematic sections. This strategic intervention promises to extend the lifespan of bitumen carriageways, reduce maintenance burdens, and crucially, mitigate accident risks, setting a precedent for eco-friendly road development across the nation.
The current maintenance of the 148 km stretch between Krishnagiri and Walajapet in Ranipet district is managed under a long-term agreement. While a complete overhaul is slated once every decade, routine patchwork is expected biannually. The adoption of this glass bead layer technology, following a comprehensive re-lay of the entire stretch, is poised to revolutionise routine maintenance practices. Officials plan a rigorous one-to-two-year observation period to assess its efficacy before a wider implementation, underscoring a cautious yet progressive approach to infrastructure enhancement.
Referred to as “Glass Grid Rapid” technology, and technically conceptualised by a premier Indian Institute of Technology, the system utilises a roll of tiny glass beads. Each layer, measuring one metre wide and a mere 0.25 mm in height, is meticulously laid over cracked portions of the road surface, much like a protective plaster. This is then capped with a fresh 40 mm thick layer of bitumen. This ingenious design ensures the glass bead layer acts as an adhesive, firmly binding the two bitumen layers, thereby preventing the formation and propagation of surface cracks.
The trial is actively underway at two critical locations: Eraivankadu village in Vellore, where 1.2 km of the stretch has received the glass bead layer, and Kannigapuram village near Ambur in Tirupattur, with two kilometres of application. The nearing completion of this initial phase signals a pivotal moment for infrastructure innovation. The primary advantage of this technology lies in its ability to prevent the common issue of potholes, which frequently emerge during monsoon seasons due to water ingress into cracks, leading to waterlogging and a heightened risk of accidents. Beyond safety, the technology is expected to significantly extend the functional life of bitumen roads, offering substantial long-term economic benefits.
Historically, addressing cracks on key routes involved extensive and costly milling of bitumen from the carriageway, a process that is both time-consuming and labour-intensive, imposing considerable financial strain on public exchequers. The ‘Glass Grid Rapid’ system offers a streamlined alternative, promising a reduction in both direct costs and the indirect expenses associated with road closures and traffic disruptions during repairs. This shift towards a more preventative and less reactive maintenance strategy aligns perfectly with the goals of sustainable urban development and responsible resource management.
Furthermore, NHAI’s broader efforts to enhance road safety and durability are evident in ongoing parallel projects. These include the complete relaying of bitumen to a 40mm height, replacement of damaged steel medians, fresh road markings including pedestrian crossings, and the removal of overgrown vegetation in median areas. Additionally, to bolster motorist safety on elevated corridors, the height of retaining walls is being increased from two feet to five feet. With approximately 50 such corridors, including railway level crossings, on the route, each averaging 800 metres in length and 15 metres in width, these comprehensive upgrades reflect a holistic commitment to building resilient and safe transportation networks. This proactive and technologically driven approach by NHAI sets a robust example for sustainable infrastructure development, paving the way for safer, more durable, and environmentally conscious roadways across India.
