Kerala   

Concrete roads not suited for Kerala

I was surprised to read the report “Concrete roads to replace bitumen roads” in The Hindu, December 12.

The cost of cement is higher than that of bitumen and hence using it to lay roads is unjustified. The roads in the State are poorly designed, without proper side drains to handle the surface flow of rainwater. Bitumen roads are as impervious to water as concrete roads are, if the right seal coat is provided. Because of poor coordination with utility wings, cutting of roads has become inevitable. Bitumen roads allow repairs better than concrete. Concrete roads in other States last because of proper sub-grade, less rain and well-designed drains.

Let the cement go to the construction industry in a nation where bitumen is a low-cost by-product of the petroleum industry.

M.P. Oommen

Thiruvalla

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