Kerala PWD hesitant to expand white-topped roads due to high costs
The department cites high initial construction costs despite a successful pilot project in Alappuzha demonstrating greater durability.
The Kerala Public Works Department (PWD) is reluctant to adopt white-topping technology on a wider scale due to relatively high initial construction costs, according to The Hindu. White-topping involves laying a cement concrete layer over existing bituminous asphalt roads.
Former PWD Minister G. Sudhakaran said the department conducted a pilot project in Alappuzha in 2018 as part of the City Road Improvement Project. The 7.2-km stretch cost ₹24.5 crore and has required no maintenance since, he said.
Mr. Sudhakaran noted that white-topped roads can last more than 20 years, while conventional asphalt roads in heavy traffic areas often require maintenance every two years. He also mentioned that contractors were unhappy with the idea of adopting the technology.
PWD Minister P.K. Basheer told the Assembly that while white-topping offers greater durability, it involves a very high initial capital investment. He stated the department has not explored adopting the technology on other PWD roads in the state.
Sources at the Kerala Highway Research Institute (KHRI) said white-topped roads cost three to four times more to construct than asphalt roads. However, they noted that overall expenditure may not differ significantly when long-term maintenance costs are included.
The KHRI also identified limitations regarding construction time and the maintenance of underground utilities. The PWD has set a target to upgrade 15,000 km of roads to Bituminous Macadam and Bituminous Concrete standards over the next five years.