The Kerala Public Works Department (KPWD) in India is helping rubber farmers and coir workers, as well as protecting the environment through a new strategy in building more durable roads, according to Minister for Public Works G. Sudhakaran.
Speaking after the opening of the newly constructed rail overbridge at Eroor near Thrippunithura in Kochi, Kerala, he said the KPWD had issued directions to use rubberised bitumen, which was more resistant to water than conventional bitumen – a black viscuous mixture that is a crucial component of the asphalt.
“The government has decided to use 50,000 tonnes of rubber while resurfacing roads this year. Besides ensuring durable roads, it will be of help to rubber farmers,”Sudhakaran said.
The department also used shredded plastic and mixed it with bitumen that was used for road works in order to help lessen environmental problems caused by massive plastic waste. Sudhakaran said that the use of shredded plastic ensures more binding strength than rubberised bitumen.
“A three-km road has been relaid using the technology in Neyyantinkara and this will be replicated in other parts of Kerala,” he added.
He also said that coir geotextiles would be widely used in low-lying areas to prevent roads suffering damage due to water logging. Made from coconut fibre, coir geotextiles are popular for slope stabilisation, erosion control and bioengineering due to its substantial mechanical strength.
“They come with a 10-year warranty. Moreover, roads being developed will henceforth have footpaths, drains and ducts to route pipelines and cables. While footpaths ensure safety of pedestrians, ducts do away with the need for digging roads. Cycle tracks too will be built wherever possible,” said Sudhakaran.