Govt mandates use of concrete elements to push green roads

In specific construction projects, The government has mandated the use of pre-cast concrete elements in at least 25% of the total concrete volume, other than the foundation work. It aimed at reducing pollution at construction sites.

The latest policy decision by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is aimed at pollution reduction at construction sites, besides quick completion of work and improved aesthetics.

Its use has been made mandatory on the national highways, expressways, and other centrally-sponsored road projects.

The minimum mandatory usage should be 25% of total concrete volume other than the foundations, road overbridges, sub-structures of bridges, and viaducts.

Factory-manufactured pre-cast concrete has advantages such as allowing all-weather and fast construction, enhanced performance durability, reliable quality, and better aesthetics due to uniformity in appearance. Besides, there is less carbon emission and reduced noise and air pollution due to rarer on-site construction activities.

The decision, when executed, will also play an integral role in accelerating the development of the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector, the circular said.

With big-ticket infrastructure projects being undertaken across the country, pollution caused by construction dust remains a key concern of urban planners, policymakers, and environmental experts. Construction activity in Delhi is stopped for a brief period in winters when the alarming rise in pollution levels makes the national capital choke.

Apart from pollution problems, the government has also been looking at the quick completion of projects. This is another reason behind pushing for pre-fabricated concrete elements.

The MoRTH note has been shared with chief secretaries of states and UTs and officials of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Border Road Organisation (BRO), National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited, and public work departments (PWD) of states and UTs for compliance.

The ministry will make provisions in contract and concession agreement papers for the inclusion of mandatory use of factory manufactured pre-fabricated concrete elements in projects within a 100 km radius of the pre-cast factory to ensure effective implementation of the decision.

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