Push for precast material in highway projects

AMIDST deliberations over mandatory usage of precast concrete elements in national highway projects, the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has started pushing developers to employ construction components produced in controlled factory environments.

- PARVEZ SULTAN

The ministry, through an office memorandum, recently made attempts to persuade construction companies involved in the development of the national highways in this regard, saying that it will help all stakeholders in the long run.

The ministry, on April 1 this year, decided to mandatorily use 25 per cent factory-manufactured concrete elements, out of the total volume, other than the foundation work in projects initiated within 100 km radius of the precast concrete factory. The aim was a reduction of pollution at construction sites, rapid progress and improved aesthetics.