Gandhinagar: The Gujarat government has allocated ₹1,147 crore in this year’s budget for the construction of climate-resilient roads using modern technology. Accordingly, work on 20 roads across various districts of the state will begin using green technology, with old road materials being reused to reduce costs and promote sustainability.

The projects include the Lanwa-Manund-Sander-Balisana Road and Radhanpur-Mashali-Madhapura Road in Patan district; Bhidiya Somnath Road in Gir Somnath; Santrampur-Jalod Road in Mahisagar; Dayadara-Nabipur-Janor Road and Ilav-Kosamba Road in Bharuch; Morbi-Nani Vavdi-Baghthala Road in Morbi; Surendranagar Bypass Road in Surendranagar; Dindoli-Karadwa-Iklera Road in Surat; Manglej-Nareshwar Road and Karjan-Amod Road in Vadodara; Kosindra-Bhakha Road in Chhota Udepur; Isarwada-Undel Road and Vadtal-Jol-Bakrol Road in Anand; Valam-Kadi Road and Peplu-Kapra Road in Mehsana; Luni-Gundala-Patri-Tappar-Babiya Road in Kutch; Talaja-Gopnath Road in Bhavnagar; Kalavad-Jamvanthali-Fala Road in Jamnagar; and Kothara Approach Road in Narmada district.

The projects will include road widening, resurfacing, RCC gutter lines, protection works, four-laning, earthworks, side shoulders, rumble strips, road furniture, white topping, and glass grid technology, depending on the requirements of individual roads. The roads will be developed using climate-resilient and environmentally friendly modern technologies.

How Does Green Technology Work?

The process involves reusing materials from existing roads during reconstruction. The road is excavated, treated with lime, and stabilised through pulverising and rolling. The old road material is then spread over the surface, followed by dry rolling, cement spreading, and chemical stabilisation. Levelling and compaction are carried out using modern machinery.

After seven days, a Stress Absorbing Membrane Interlayer (SAMI), a high-tech fibre sheet, is laid before asphalt application to prevent cracks, absorb vehicular pressure, and increase the lifespan of the road.

Benefits of Green Technology

Green technology promotes the reuse of materials such as old pavement, soil, and metal, helping reduce construction costs while strengthening the road base. The technology improves the long-term durability of roads, increases their lifespan, and reduces the need for frequent repairs. It also helps lower carbon emissions and conserve natural resources.

Road Connecting Bulk Drug Park to Strengthen Industrial Connectivity

Reconstruction work worth ₹50 crore using green technology has been approved for the Jambusar-Tankali-Deola Road in Bharuch district. The road connects the pharmaceutical bulk drug park near Jambusar and serves as a key link to the ONGC plant, salt farming areas near Deola, and shrimp farming zones along the coast. It also connects Jambusar to Vadodara district, providing better access to railways, airports, and expressways, thereby benefiting industrial units and economic activity in the region.

Important Green Technologies and Designs Used in Road Construction

Waste Plastic Roads: Plastic waste is mixed with asphalt during construction.

White Topping: Concrete layers are laid over existing asphalt roads.

Geogrid and Glass Grid: Polymer and fibreglass grids are used to strengthen roads, improve load distribution, and increase road lifespan.

Cold Mix Asphalt: Asphalt mixtures are used without heating, making them suitable even during monsoon operations.

Cement Stabilisation: Cement is mixed with road base soil to create a stronger foundation.

Fly Ash Technology: Fly ash generated by thermal power plants is used in road construction.

Interlocking Pavers: Roads are built using interconnected concrete blocks.

Panelled Concrete: Individual concrete slabs are laid separately for road construction.

Perpetual Pavement: Multi-layered roads are constructed for greater durability, lower maintenance, and longer operational life. DeshGujarat