Gujarat to replace asphalt roads with cement concrete roads

Gandhinagar, July 28 (IANS) The Gujarat government has decided to replace asphalt roads with Cement Concrete (CC) roads for internal roads in all Municipal Corporations and Municipalities across the state as part of a long-term plan to reduce recurring monsoon-related road damage.

The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Tuesday.

Announcing the move, Government Spokesperson and Minister Jitu Vaghani said the shift towards CC roads was aimed at creating more durable road infrastructure capable of withstanding heavy rainfall and waterlogging.

"Asphalt roads often suffer damage during the monsoon due to prolonged exposure to rainwater and water accumulation, leading to inconvenience for citizens. The use of CC roads would help provide stronger and longer-lasting roads in urban areas," he said.

The minister added that the conversion would not be limited to cities. Asphalt roads in village settlements that are vulnerable to waterlogging will also gradually be replaced with CC roads.

Construction of such roads in villages is already being carried out under the 'Suvidhapath Yojana'.

The government also plans to expand the use of CC roads in industrial areas where roads face heavy and extra-heavy vehicular movement, including areas with frequent movement of multi-axle vehicles.

Vaghani said that although the construction cost of CC roads is generally 30 to 40 per cent higher than asphalt roads, the state government has prioritised long-term public benefit while taking the decision.

"The Chief Minister has taken this people-centric decision without worrying about the additional expenditure, ensuring that citizens receive durable, high-quality infrastructure that will serve them for years," Vaghani said.

CC roads have a longer service life and higher strength compared with conventional asphalt roads, making them more suitable for areas with heavy traffic loads.

They require less frequent maintenance and are expected to reduce recurring expenditure on repairs caused by potholes and damaged road surfaces.

"CC roads are also better suited for regions receiving heavy rainfall and areas affected by waterlogging, where asphalt roads often require repeated repairs," he noted.

The decision is expected to bring a wider shift in road construction practices across Gujarat’s urban and rural areas, with the focus on improving durability, reducing maintenance requirements and providing safer roads for citizens.

--IANS

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