Inside PotHoleRaja’s Technology That Turns Recycled Plastic into Safer, Stronger Roads

Jan 13, 2026, 11:04 AM
Photo Credit : PotHoleRaja

As National Road Safety Week is observed, we spotlight PotHoleRaja — a venture working to make roads safer by repairing potholes and strengthening surfaces using recycled plastic waste.

Photo Credit : PotHoleRaja

PotHoleRaja began in 2016 when founders Prathap B Rao and Sourabh Kumar decided to address dangerous potholes that caused frequent accidents and traffic disruption across India.

Photo Credit : YourStory

Fewer potholes, less risk

Potholes are a serious safety hazard. According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ 2023 report, India recorded 5,840 pothole-related road crashes.

Photo Credit : R. Ravindran/The Hindu

The plastic innovation

PotHoleRaja uses recycled plastic to build stronger roads, longer-lasting, and more water-resistant roads than conventional roads, turning waste into infrastructure.

Photo Credit : PotHoleRaja

Unique technology

Their patented GridMats, made from 100% recycled plastic, form a honeycomb base that strengthens roads, reduces material use, needs less water, and increases durability.

Photo Credit : PotHoleRaja

Today, PotHoleRaja works with civic bodies, CSR partners, and communities across Bengaluru, Mumbai, Gurugram, Jamshedpur, and other cities to repair and build safer roads.

Photo Credit : YourStory

A landmark Bengaluru road

In July 2022, PotHoleRaja built a road in Bengaluru using 3,000 kg of recycled plastic. Faster to construct, it uses less water, costs 25% less, and comes with a 5-year warranty.

Photo Credit : PotHoleRaja

Impact by the numbers

As per their website, PotHoleRaja has fixed 7,000+ potholes across 6 cities in India. Over 1,000 volunteers have contributed 5,000+ hours improving roads and safety.

Photo Credit : PotHoleRaja

Get involved

One can support PotHoleRaja in three ways: report potholes or road hazards, donate to their fundraisers, or volunteer in pothole‑fixing drives to directly help your community.

Photo Credit : PotHoleRaja