Uttar Pradesh PWD Adopts Alternative Road Technologies Amid Bitumen Shortage
PWD relaxes sourcing norms, pushes alternative road tech as bitumen crunch hits roadworks
Image: The Times Of India
The Uttar Pradesh Public Works Department (PWD) is adapting to a severe bitumen shortage by relaxing sourcing norms and promoting alternative road construction technologies. This move aims to ensure ongoing road projects remain on schedule despite rising bitumen prices, which have surged to ₹75,000-₹80,000 per tonne.
- 01PWD has allowed contractors to source bitumen from non-state-owned companies, provided it meets certification standards from institutions like IIT and NIT.
- 02The department is promoting the use of MSS+ technology, which allows for all-weather surfacing without heating, reducing pollution.
- 03Upcoming repair works worth approximately ₹1,200 crore will utilize cement-treated bases instead of bitumen.
- 04Bitumen prices have increased significantly, impacting road construction costs and prompting the need for alternative materials.
- 05Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed officials to explore alternative construction methods to manage the constraints caused by the bitumen shortage.
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In response to a significant shortage of bitumen caused by supply disruptions linked to geopolitical tensions, the Uttar Pradesh Public Works Department (PWD) has implemented new directives to ensure road construction and repair projects continue without delay. The latest order allows contractors to source bitumen from private companies, departing from previous reliance on state-owned suppliers, provided the materials are certified by recognized institutions such as the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and the National Institute of Technology (NIT). Additionally, PWD is promoting the use of modified mix seal surfacing plus (MSS+) technology, which facilitates all-weather road surfacing without the need for heating, thereby reducing pollution. With an estimated ₹1,200 crore allocated for upcoming repairs, the department is also encouraging the use of cement-treated bases in place of bitumen for various road types. This strategic shift comes as bitumen prices have surged to ₹75,000-₹80,000 per tonne, necessitating innovative approaches to maintain project timelines and budget.
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The changes in sourcing norms and the introduction of alternative technologies aim to ensure that road construction projects in Uttar Pradesh can continue despite material shortages.
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