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Bhubaneswar, Jan 22: The five-day-long 75th Indian Roads Congress (IRC), which came to an end Thursday, saw a lot of presentations on ways to improve the condition of roads and upgrade them. IRC president SUNIL BHOWMIK, the engineer-in-chief of Tripura’s public works department, spoke to Vishwas Dass about how IRC has been able to come up with solutions to improve the condition of roads and ensure the safety of commuters. Excerpts:
What kind of key decisions have been taken during the IRC at Bhubaneswar to improve quality of roads across the country?
Many important decisions were taken such as use of recycled eco-friendly material to lay roads and meet environmental concerns. We have decided to use recycled products to enhance the longevity of roads and increase the carrying capacity, particularly of the highways. This would also reduce costs significantly.
Which kind of products can be used to build roads that demand less maintenance?
Mineral and aluminum waste, jute geotextiles and copper slag can easily be used to lay roads as it is cheap and viable. There are a plenty of natural resources available that can be used. In Orissa, only 20 per cent of the roads are partially being made of copper slag and this should be increased.
The Orissa government has shown interest in jute geotextiles technology to lay roads. Is it the future of road construction?
Definitely yes. Jute technology is 100 per cent natural, saves time, is durable and cheaper than the conventional bituminous roads. The Orissa government should use it extensively as it lasts long.
What are the IRC’s views about Orissa PWD’s O-RAMS software that helps identify roads that needs
upgradation?
The way the Orissa PWD has started using Orissa Asset Management System (O-RAMS) software for regular improvement of roads is commendable. We will recommend that the ministry of road transport and highways opt for this technology so that other state PWDs can emulate the Orissa model.
How much funds is the Centre allocating to improve the condition of roads in Orissa?
Every year around Rs 1,300 crore is being earmarked by the ministry while this fiscal Rs 400 crore has already been allocated by the Centre to improve the state’s 2.5 lakh km of roads. PNN