IRS recommends concrete roads

The concept of concrete roads was not acceptable till the recent past due to general unavailability of cement and the huge investments involved, Patil said. The situation, however, has undergone tremendous changes. For one, augmented cement manufacturing capacities of the nation have resolved one of the problems, he added.

Citing the experience of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, Patil who also is the Secretary, State Public Works Department, stated that the fiscal inhibitions surrounding the concrete roads could also be dispelled. The concrete roads would be pertinent to maintain uniformity in the road building sector in future, he said.

Governor Dr P C Alexander will inaugurate the two-day session being attended by secretaries and chief engineers of public works departments from different states, senior officials from the Ministry of Surface Transport and other road building organisations. This is for the first time that the IRA Congress is being held in Pune.

The delegates will also visit the Mumbai-Pune Expressway.

The meeting will also decide the code of practice for road signs and draft guidelines on quality systems for roads.