Question : Tar-Bitumen Road

(a) the total length of tar-bitumen road constructed across the country;

(b) whether the Union Government is aware that tar contains carcinogenic materials;

(c) whether the contracts for construction of tar-bitumen roads clearly indicate adequate safety measures for the workers who are involved in the construction of such roads;

(d) whether any steps have been taken by the Union Government for building plastic-bitumen roads to promote eco-friendly infrastructure;

(e) if so, the details thereof, especially for Karnataka; and

(f) the details of the steps taken to prevent release of noxious HCL gas during road laying process?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE
MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

(SHRI MANSUKH L. MANDAVIYA)

(a) Ministry has constructed 6715 km of National Highways (NHs) including about 4939 km of flexible pavement with the use of paving bitumen as per Ministry’s Specification and Guidelines by 31st Dec 2018 in the current financial year 2018-19.

(b) to (c) Yes Madam. For construction of NHs bitumen is used and not tar, the bitumen is to comply properties as per IRC Standards.

(d) to (e) Guidelines has been issued for the use of plastic in bituminous wearing coat on pilot basis.

(f) Safety measure are taken as per IRC Codal provisions which are part of the contract.

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