Archive · 11 Sep 2026
Bengaluru Tests Jet Patcher Technology to Repair Smaller Potholes
Bengaluru is testing a machine called a Jet Patcher to fix some road potholes.
It is meant for smaller potholes, not very deep ones.
The machine cleans the damaged area and puts in the repair materials.
Workers can use it while traffic continues moving.
A repair may be ready for traffic again in about 10 minutes.
This could help reduce traffic jams caused by road work.
Older hot-mix repairs need more equipment and may not work well during monsoon weather.
The city will decide whether to expand the technology after testing it.
Bengaluru has begun a pilot project using Jet Patcher technology for potholes about two to three inches deep.
The machine cleans debris and applies bitumen and wet mix in one operation, allowing repairs during traffic.
Repairs can be completed in about 10 minutes, potentially reducing congestion and the need for night work.
Traditional hot-mix repairs require rollers, traffic stoppages and favorable weather, making them difficult during monsoons.
The Central City Corporation has invited a Rs 2 crore tender, with wider expansion planned if the pilot succeeds.
- Who
- Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda and city officials are overseeing the pilot project.
- What
- Bengaluru is testing Jet Patcher technology to repair smaller potholes using a single machine.
- When
- The pilot began after a demonstration on Friday; individual repairs can take about 10 minutes.
- Where
- The technology was demonstrated on the road between Vidhana Soudha and M S Building in Bengaluru.
- Why
- The city aims to repair suitable potholes quickly while reducing traffic disruption, equipment needs and congestion.
Jet Patcher Approach
Traditional Hot-Mix Approach
Traffic and equipment
Jet Patcher Approach
The Jet Patcher cleans, applies bitumen and adds wet mix from one machine, allowing repairs without stopping traffic and using less equipment.
Traditional Hot-Mix Approach
Traditional hot-mix repairs require a roller and generally require traffic to be stopped, which can create congestion.
Weather and pothole suitability
Jet Patcher Approach
The technology is presented as useful for smaller potholes and can support repairs without relying on the traditional hot-mix setup.
Traditional Hot-Mix Approach
Hot-mix repairs have limitations during monsoon weather and are not practical for every isolated pothole.
- Technology
- Jet Patcher using cold-mix technology and Semi Dense Bituminous Concrete.
- Suitable potholes
- Potholes up to about 50 millimetres, or roughly two to three inches, deep.
- Repair time
- Traffic can resume in about 10 minutes after a repair.
- Pilot value
- Rs 2 crore tender invited by the Central City Corporation.
- Traditional method
- Hot-mix repairs require a roller and may be difficult during monsoon weather.
- Expansion plan
- Use could be expanded across city corporations if the pilot succeeds.