Himachal Tests New Road Technology to End Cycle of Damage and Repairs
Himachal Pradesh’s roads, often battered by harsh weather and water-logging, may finally get a long-term fix. The Public Works Department (PWD) has launched a pilot project to test modern road repair technologies that promise stronger, longer-lasting roads.
Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh announced that two advanced methods—Cement Grouted Bituminous Macadam (CGBM) and Stabilised Base Layer Technology—are being trialed on the Shoghi–Mehli road, a stretch notorious for repeated damage.
The Minister explained that the PWD maintains nearly 35,000 km of roads across Himachal Pradesh, but around 20% of them suffer frequent damage due to weak ground conditions and extreme weather. This leads to constant repairs and rising maintenance costs.
By adopting modern construction techniques, Singh said, the department hopes to build roads that can withstand heavy traffic and resist water damage. If successful, these roads could last up to 10 years, cutting down repair costs and giving commuters smoother, safer journeys.
These technologies are not new to India—they are already being used successfully under schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) and by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). Himachal’s pilot project, developed in consultation with the Central Road Research Institute (CRRI), marks the state’s first step toward wider adoption.
During a review, a presentation was made on the progress of the Shoghi–Mehli project. Singh also directed officials to form a committee to identify more road stretches where these technologies could be rolled out under the Annual Maintenance Plan for 2026–27.
For residents and travelers, the hope is clear: fewer potholes, less disruption, and roads that can finally stand the test of time and weather.
