The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) in India is proposing a new policy to repair and upgrade old national highways using a method called Whitetopping Technology. MoRTH is asking for feedback on this idea from stakeholders by September 7. This policy is needed because many parts of India’s national highways, which cover about 1.46 lakh km, are aging and require improvement.
Definition of Whitetopping Technology
Whitetopping is a process where a layer of Portland Cement Concrete (PCC) is placed on top of existing bituminous ( asphalt) roads. This technique is especially useful for roads that have ongoing problems due to poor drainage. Whitetopping has already been used successfully in various government projects, such as the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), and cities like Bengaluru.
Benefits of Whitetopping
Whitetopping offers several advantages compared to traditional asphalt overlays:
Longer Lifespan: It can extend the life of a road by 20-25 years.
Less Maintenance: Roads require fewer repairs and less frequent lane closures.
Cost-Effective: Although the initial cost is higher, the long-term savings from reduced maintenance make it a smart investment.
Environmental Benefits: The lighter color of concrete reflects more light, helping to cool urban areas and reduce the heat island effect.
Better Performance: Whitetopping is more resistant to common road issues like deformation, rutting, and cracking, especially in hot climates.
Improved Fuel Efficiency: Vehicles use less fuel when driving on concrete roads compared to asphalt roads.
MoRTH is actively seeking input from various stakeholders to fine-tune the proposed policy and ensure it is implemented effectively. Gathering feedback is important to address any practical challenges and make this innovative approach to highway maintenance successful.
