India's vast road network faces a constant battle – potholes. These road craters cause not only inconvenience but also contribute to accidents and fatalities. To combat this challenge, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is exploring a revolutionary solution: self-healing roads.

This innovative technology utilizes self-healing asphalt, a material embedded with special properties that enable it to repair minor cracks and fissures autonomously. One method involves incorporating steel wool fibers into the asphalt mix. This creates a conductive property that allows the use of induction machines to heat the asphalt. The heat reactivates the binding agent in the asphalt, causing it to refasten the stones and gravel, effectively sealing cracks and preventing pothole formation.

While self-healing roads are not yet a reality on Indian highways, the NHAI is actively exploring its potential. Professor Nemkumar Bhantia, an Indian Institute of Technology Delhi alumnus, has even demonstrated a successful application of this technology on a road connecting a village to a highway outside Bengaluru.

The potential benefits of self-healing roads are significant. They could:

• Reduce accidents: By eliminating potholes, a major cause of accidents, self-healing roads could significantly improve road safety.
• Minimize maintenance: The self-healing properties could reduce the need for frequent repairs, saving time and money.
• Increase road life: With proactive crack repair, these roads could last longer, reducing the frequency of complete road reconstruction projects.

Of course, there are challenges to consider. The cost-effectiveness of self-healing asphalt compared to traditional materials is a key factor. NHAI is conducting a thorough cost-benefit analysis before widespread adoption.

Despite these challenges, the exploration of self-healing roads represents a positive step forward for India's road infrastructure.

This innovative technology has the potential to create safer, more durable, and ultimately, more cost-effective roads for the nation.

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