Cracks No More? Chennai-Bengaluru Highway To Get A High-Tech Glass Bead Makeover
Two locations—Eraivankadu in Vellore (1.2 km stretch) and Kannigapuram near Ambur (2 km stretch)—have been selected for the trial.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has launched a trial on the Chennai–Bengaluru Highway (NH-44), using a glass bead layer to treat cracks on the road.
This move is aimed at enhancing the durability of the 148-km stretch between Walajah toll gate (Ranipet) and Krishnagiri and to reduce accidents caused by potholes and waterlogging.
What Is the Glass Bead Layer?
As per The Hindu, the new tech, called Glass Grid Rapid, was developed by IIT Madras. It involves laying a 1-metre-wide strip of glass beads on cracked portions of the road. This layer, which is only 0.25 mm thick, is covered with 40 mm of fresh bitumen to create a stronger, more flexible surface.
Where Is the Trial Happening?
Two trial spots have been identified: Eraivankadu village in Vellore (1.2 km) and Kannigapuram near Ambur in Tirupattur (2 km). The project is nearly complete and will be monitored for 1–2 years before being introduced to other stretches.
Why Does It Matter?
Traditionally, fixing cracked highways meant completely milling and relaying the bitumen—a costly and labour-heavy task. The glass bead method, however, acts like glue between layers and prevents future cracks.
Along with the new tech, the NHAI has also:
Additionally, safety measures are being boosted by increasing the height of retaining walls on elevated corridors from two to five feet.
What's Next?
If the trial proves successful, we could soon see glass bead tech rolled out across India's major highways.
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