Anilkumar T By

Express News Service

KOCHI: Following the interest shown by the LDF Government, the prospect of the state procuring Python5000-- the pothole patching machine-- now appears increasingly likely.

Public Works Minister G Sudhakaran told ‘Express’ the proposal had been given a rethink by the LDF Government.



“The PWD officials and the Kerala State Construction Corporation(KSCC) officials have been asked to study the proposal and its viability,” he said.



According to the Public Works Minister, a meeting of the officials concerned will be convened after getting the report.



Initially, the PWD had planned to fill the potholes in Ernakulam, Alappuzha and Muvattupuzha on an experimental basis before proceeding to the other districts. Though, American Road Technology and Solutions Pvt Ltd (ARTS), a Bengaluru-based firm, had been entrusted with the task of smoothening the roads along a 275 km-long stretch, official apathy in dispersing the amount derailed the project.



‘Python5000’ is economical and can mend the craters before they get bigger. Fast and quality patching works and ability to work even in the rain are its major features,” said a KSCC official.



“Though we pressed ahead with the project, government-level meddling during the UDF tenure delayed it. So far we haven’t received any communication from the incumbent government. We will submit a report after getting the direction from the minister,” he said.



Besides, the official claimed ARTS was in the red since they had not replied to the emails, letters and telephone calls about the project.