The newly launched mobile infrared pothole repair machine popularly known as ‘Road Doctor’ during its inauguration on the main road in Guru Nanak Colony, Vijayawada on Wednesday. | Photo credit: GN RAO
The Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) has launched an advanced ‘mobile infrared road repair machine’ aka ‘Road Doctor’ to repair potholes and uneven roads in the city and also reduce pollution.
The machine, costing ₹1.48 crore, was procured through the 15th Finance Commission grants to the Corporation. Vijayawada MP Kesineni Sivanath, East MLA Gadde Rammohan and VMC officials flagged off the machine at Guru Nanak Colony.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sivanath pointed out that the machine, approved for the city under the National Clean Air Program (NCAP), will play a key role in improving the city’s roads and reducing pollution.
According to a press release from the corporation, the machine reduces carbon emissions by up to 98% because it does not require traditional methods where tar was heated to very high temperatures for road laying.
The MP said that while the city was sanctioned with a grant of ₹25 crore under the NCAP, proposals were sent to increase the grants to ₹32 crore and the NCAP officials promised to do so. With more such machines, the condition of roads and hygiene can be improved in the city, the MP said.
Mr. Rammohan said that more such advanced machines would soon be brought to the VMC and a system was being created to ensure potholes were repaired within 15 minutes.
Additional Commissioner (Projects) D. Chandrasekhar, Chief Engineer (In-charge) P. Satyakumari, Chief Engineer (Works) V. Chandrasekhar, Executive Engineer G. Samrajyam, Deputy Engineers, Assistant Engineers and others.
Published – 18 Feb 2026 20:52 IST