The Hindu Business Line : Call for greater use of cement concrete in building highways

THE Union Minister of Shipping, Road Transport & Highways, Mr T.R. Baalu, on Friday called for greater use of cement concrete in the construction of highways in the country.

Stating that cement concrete roads have longer life and very little maintenance, Mr Baalu, however, said that it requires higher initial investment and greater degree of care in design and construction.

"A judicious decision has to be taken keeping in view all the factors for the overall economic development of the country", he said while inaugurating a two-day seminar on Design, Construction and Maintenance of Cement Concrete Roads organised by the Indian Roads Congress (IRC).

The Minister also urged the IRC to study the practice and experience of cement roads in other countries and prepare a document bringing out strategies for planning and construction of cement concrete roads with a view to enhancing its share in road construction in a time-bound manner. "The cement industry should also assist the IRC in preparing a policy document for the consideration of the Central and State governments."

Similarly, on the 7,300 km-long North-South and East-West corridors being developed under Phase II of the National Highways Development Project (NHDP), cement concrete roads of a sizeable length will be provided depending upon techno-economic feasibility.

Besides, choice may be given to road developers between bituminous and cement concrete roads while constructing another 10,000 km of roads on a build, operate and transfer (BOT) basis under Phase III of the NHDP, he stated.