In a bid to improve the quality and safety of Indian highways, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has issued new guidelines for road construction. These guidelines specify the use of surfacing materials based on both traffic and pavement temperature, a significant departure from the current practice of considering only weight-carrying capacity.
According to sources, the new guidelines mandate the use of bituminous binders appropriate for the prevailing loading, ambient temperature, rainfall, snowfall, and speed conditions. This approach is expected to result in more durable pavements and safer driving conditions, with fewer or no stretches experiencing breakages or potholes.
The specifications provided by MoRTH also take into account the different mixes used for varying levels of traffic load and climatic zones across India. These guidelines have been developed based on recommendations from a task force constituted by MoRTH to determine the appropriate type and grade of bitumen or modified bitumen for different climatic zones.
The new guidelines will be applicable to all new projects for which bids are to be invited, and the quality of highways will be evaluated during the re-laying of existing highways. The government aims to award 10,000-12,000 km of highways in FY25, all of which will be constructed according to the specifications outlined in the bitumen circular.
This shift in road construction practices is expected to enhance the durability of pavements, withstand heavy traffic volume, and reduce maintenance costs. The use of appropriate pavement materials will not only improve the driving experience but also contribute to the overall efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the transportation sector.
