December 05, 2001

'25'

LOK SABHA

CONSTRUCTION COST OF COALTAR AND CEMENT ROADS

        These days bitumen is used in road construction instead of coal tar. The cost of road constructed with bitumen is different from those constructed with cement.

        The construction cost of roads depends upon a number of factors viz. type of soil, class of roads, traffic, design life etc. The cost of roads constructed with cement is about 15 to 20% more than the bituminous roads.

        The road constructed with bitumen requires more maintenance input than cement road. The bituminous roads are designed for 10-15 years whereas; the cement roads are designed for a longer life of 20-30 years.

        Choice of pavement type depends on a number of variable factors viz. soil, climatic conditions, traffic and the economics. Both types of pavements are being considered for National Highway construction.

        This information was given in the Lok Sabha today in a written reply by the Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways (Independent Charge), Major Gen. B. C. Khanduri, AVSM (Retd.).