Himachal Pradesh Implements Full Depth Reclamation Technology for Road Construction Under PMGSY

Trial Use of FDR Technology in Mandi to Enhance Road Quality and Reduce Costs

For the first time in Himachal Pradesh, road construction under the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) is incorporating Full Depth Reclamation (FDR) technology. This innovative method, now being tested on a 20-kilometer stretch from Ganpati Temple to Kun Ka Tar near Mandi city, promises to revolutionize road development in the state.

FDR technology involves the reclamation and recycling of the existing road material. The process uses machinery to dig up the old concrete and tar, which is then mixed with cement and chemicals to create a new, durable surface. This eco-friendly technique has been successfully implemented in several other states and foreign countries, and Himachal Pradesh is now adopting it as part of a trial project.

NPS Chauhan, Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department Mandi Zone, explained that this trial would be closely monitored, with a quality assessment to be conducted after one week. Based on these results, further decisions will be made. However, feedback from other regions suggests that FDR technology is highly effective and environmentally friendly, as it maximizes the reuse of existing materials. Going forward, the state plans to implement this technique on 20 more roads in the Mandi and Kullu districts.

Nitish Sharma, MD of DKS Construction Company, which is working on this project, shared that the use of FDR technology is not only speeding up the construction process but also cutting costs. He noted that the government used to spend approximately Rs 100 for road construction, but now the same work is being completed for just Rs 60 or Rs 64, offering significant savings. If the trial proves successful, additional machinery will be used to expand the use of this technology in future projects.

This pioneering initiative marks a significant step toward sustainable and cost-effective infrastructure development in Himachal Pradesh.