Nagpur: Tar patches have made a return on the cement-concrete Inner Ring Road, with Public Works Department (PWD) carrying out temporary repairs near Sugat Nagar Square, raising questions over the durability of such patchwork and the safety of motorists.The 40km Inner Ring Road was constructed as a cement road, but several stretches have developed cracks and damaged portions. Instead of permanent repairs, tar-based patchwork has again been used at some locations. Experts said such patches on concrete roads generally have limited durability and can wear out under heavy traffic, leaving an uneven surface.They warned that the uneven portions can pose a risk to two-wheeler riders, especially at night or during rains, as vehicles may skid while negotiating the damaged patches. Repeated temporary repairs, they said, cannot be a substitute for proper restoration of deteriorated stretches.Satish Yadav, a Jaripatka resident, said motorists face problems due to such patchwork. “Many times, such tar patchwork on cement roads gets rubbed off and creates an uneven portion, posing threat to two-wheeler riders,” he said. Motorists using the Narendra Nagar-Mhalgi Nagar stretch via Manewada have also criticised the recurring patchwork, saying damaged portions need to be repaired properly.PWD deputy engineer Ashish Kurve said the tar patch near Sugat Nagar Square was only a temporary measure. “Complete repairs will be carried out after the tender process,” he said. Kurve said the defect liability period of the 40km Inner Ring Road has ended, forcing the department to undertake repair work. “We will also carry out tar patching on the Manewada and Mhalgi Nagar Ring Road as the cement patchwork is getting torn out due to heavy movement of traffic as it is not getting dried,” he said.
