Sreedharan suggests concrete roads for cities

Concrete roads are the only salvation for potholed roads in Kerala, a state annually visited by two full-fledged monsoons, says E. Sreedharan, Member, State Planning Board, and principal adviser to Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, sees it. Bitumen roads develop potholes primarily due to water seepage and lack of proper sewerage.

Concrete roads are best for cities, says Sreedharan. But planning is needed and the utility lines will have to be shifted in time since digging would need to be avoided on built-up roads. An experimental white-top concrete road for Kochi is proposed to consist of a mix of fly ash, polymeric fibre, cement and sand.

Concrete roads are less vulnerable to water seepage or oil/lubricant spillage. The surface offers better skid resistance also. Goods carriers consume 15-20 per cent less fuel when compared driving on bituminous roads.
Concrete pavements also bring down vehicle running costs by 10-15 per cent, Sreedharan said.

Cement ManufacturerÂ’s Association has offered to lay 25 km free of cost in any part of the State to kick off concretisation. The association has promised a guaranteed life of 25 years for this stretch against 10 of conventional roads. White topping is 200-250 per cent higher than for ordinary bitumen road construction, Sreedharan said.

For the PWD, however, it will be a one-time investment. But mobilisation of funds propped up the biggest hurdle in front of any serious move to attempt the transition to concrete roads. But being relatively maintenance-free, they eliminated the need for frequent traffic shutdowns for subsequent repairs.