Govt considers concrete roads in disaster-prone areas amid monsoon destruction

In response to the widespread destruction caused by the monsoon across the country, the Indian government is contemplating the construction of concrete roads in disaster-prone regions. Concrete roads are more resilient to heavy rain and floods compared to asphalt roads.

Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Nitin Gadkari, revealed plans to appoint an expert committee and establish a dedicated section within the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) to explore the feasibility of this initiative. The Ministry intends to collaborate with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) for research and training in building cost-effective concrete roads of international standards.

The recent monsoon season has led to significant damage, particularly in North India, with Himachal and Uttarakhand being the worst affected. Flash floods and landslides have caused considerable harm to roads and bridges, disrupting communication networks and rescue operations. In light of these challenges, the government seeks to enhance infrastructure resilience to natural calamities.