Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh today announced that the Public Works Department (PWD) has selected two proven technologies—Cement Grouted Bituminous Macadam (CGBM) and Stabilized Base Layer Technology—for trial to repair damaged roads. The technologies are being initially tested on the Shoghi–Mehli road.
The Minister said that the PWD maintains nearly 35,000 km of roads across the state and is continuously working to improve road quality while ensuring safe, durable and all-weather connectivity through the adoption of modern repair and maintenance techniques.
He said that due to harsh weather conditions, water-logging and weak subsoil, nearly 20 percent of the road network suffers repeated damage, resulting in frequent repairs and high maintenance costs. To address this challenge, the department has decided to adopt more durable road construction technologies as a long-term solution.
Following consultations with the Central Road Research Institute (CRRI), a pilot project using these advanced technologies is currently underway on damaged stretches of the Shoghi–Mehli Road. The Minister said these methods would strengthen roads, enhance load-bearing capacity and improve resistance to water damage, thereby significantly reducing the need for repeated repairs.
He added that roads constructed using these technologies are expected to have a lifespan of up to 10 years, leading to lower maintenance costs and providing a smoother and safer driving experience for commuters.
The Minister further informed that these technologies are already being successfully implemented by several states under PMGSY and other government schemes, as well as by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
A detailed presentation on the new technologies and the progress of work on the Shoghi–Mehli Road was also made. The Minister said that directions have been issued to constitute a committee to identify additional road stretches where these technologies can be adopted under the Annual Maintenance Plan for 2026–27.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
