Patna, Jan. 11: Smooth, waterlogging-free and anti-skid roundabouts would provide the dream solution to every motorist’s woes on the roads in the state capital ahead of next monsoon.

Come March, the road construction department will start laying mastic asphalt roads at a cost of Rs 100 crore at all roundabouts of the state capital.

Road construction minister Nand Kishore Yadav said: “It is one of the dream projects of the Bihar government to provide a smooth ride to the residents by making mastic asphalt roads at all roundabouts of the city. We have identified over 54 roundabouts in the capital where residents would get a different feel.”

He added: “A mastic asphalt road is smoother than the black-top road. It will sport a rubberised look and individually placed stone chips would be visible on the road surface. At present, we are trying out such a surface on Chiraiyatand bridge on a trial basis. It appears rider-friendly.”

Some of the important roundabouts earmarked by the department include Nehru roundabout near Station Road, Swami Nandan roundabout near Frazer Road, Dhanki Mor roundabout near Kankerbagh, Jagdeo Path, Sheikhpura, Hartali Mor, Lalit Bhavan and Punaichak roundabout on Bailey Road. Others include the roundabouts at Rajapur Pul, Kurji Mor and ITI Digha.

Elaborating on the project, the minister said: “The tendering process is complete. Mastic asphalt roads are stronger than normal bitumen ones. In case of waterlogging, the top layer of this kind of road does not allow the water to permeate the lower levels. This will help prevent waterlogging at the roundabouts, which is one of the major reasons why roads are damaged. The other major benefit is that you do not need to increase the height of the roads while repairing them. The upper layer can be easily removed and the fresh layer pasted without increasing the height of the road.”

The department has also identified 20 roundabouts in Gaya district such as Durga Sthan and Munni Masjid on Gowal Bigha Road to lay mastic asphalt roads.

Asked about completion of the work, Nand Kishore said: “Department officials have been instructed to complete the work before the rainy season as it would not be possible to work during rain. The anti-skid technology is the most important plus point of such roads, as mastic asphalt minimises the risk of accidents at the roundabouts, which occur frequently at present.”

The minister said: “Mastic asphalt is expensive, so we are focusing on the roundabouts at present. But in coming years, the department will lay all roads with mastic asphalt.”