PWD adopts green technology for road construction in state
Dipender Manta
Tribune News Service
Mandi, July 30
The Public Works Department (PWD) has adopted green technology for road construction under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) for the fiscal year 2023-24. This initiative encompasses a substantial 3,100 km of road work, of which 1,180 km will utilise advanced Full Depth Reclamation (FDR) and Cement Treated Base (CTB) technologies.
Vikas Sood, Chief Engineer of PWD for PMGSY road projects, stated that, these green technology roads would be introduced in 10 districts in Himachal, distributed among four zones, namely Hamirpur, Kangra, Mandi and Shimla. The zone-wise allocation includes 13 FDR and 32 CTB projects in Hamirpur, 27 FDR and 10 CTB in Kangra, 3 FDR and 8 CTB in Shimla, and 20 FDR projects in Mandi.
“The selection of contractors for these projects has been meticulously done to ensure that only those with substantial experience and qualification are chosen. The execution of these projects will be done strictly following the National Rural Roads Development Agency (NRRDA) guidelines,” the Chief Engineer said.
“Special conditions have been incorporated into the contract agreements, including the establishment of well-equipped technical laboratories on site, the appointment of experienced site and laboratory engineers and the use of the IRC-accredited additives. Additive companies will also provide dedicated teams to ensure the quality of the materials used. In-house capacity building will be part of the execution process, which includes training and familiarising local contractors and staff with these new construction methodologies,” he said.
“The FDR process involves rehabilitating and restoring deteriorated roads by pulverising the existing asphalt pavement, mixing it with stabilising agents and compacting it to form a new base before laying a fresh layer of asphalt. This technique not only reduces waste and the need for new materials but also enhances road strength and ride quality. The CTB, on the other hand, involves mixing cement with aggregate to create a strong base course that offers high compressive strength and durability, making it a cost-effective and reliable option for road construction,” said the Chief Engineer.
“These advancements are set to significantly improve the quality and sustainability of road infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh, paving the way for a more environmentally friendly approach to road maintenance and rehabilitation,” he said.
Both techniques contribute to greener infrastructure development by promoting resource efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
Sustainable practices
The technologies used in the initiative, Full Depth Reclamation (FDR) and Cement Treated Base (CTB), are often referred to as green technologies because they focus on sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.
Full Depth Reclamation: This method recycles the existing road materials, which reduces the need for new raw materials and minimises waste. By reusing the existing pavement, the FDR decreases the consumption of resources and lowers greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production and transport of new materials.
Cement Treated Base: The CTB involves mixing cement with existing road materials to create a stable base layer. This process improves the strength and durability of the road while using less energy and fewer materials compared to traditional methods. It also enhances the lifespan of the road, reducing the frequency of repairs and associated environmental impacts.
