![]() Raw Materials Used to Develop Roadways in India Raw materials used to develop roadways in India have been diverse. They comprise of concrete, cement, bitumen, stone, burnt bricks, etc. It is important to note that bitumen-based macadamized roads have principally been constructed in India. Development of roadways in India depends on the availability of the type of raw materials in a particular region. For example, in the plains of northern India, road building materials are not cheaply available because of long distances. ![]() Types of Roads in India Roads are of two kinds, based on their strength and make up. They are surfaced and unsurfaced. Surfaced roads are leveled with the surroundings. They may be constructed out of cement, concrete or bitumen or tar and coal. Since Independence of India, surfaced roads have increased by more than 8 times. Surfaced roads are finest and are all weather roads. Unsurfaced roads are those roads which do not have a durable finished upper layer. They are of little use during the Indian monsoon season. However, the importance of unsurfaced roads cannot be downplayed. These roads open up the countryside to the contemporary methods of living and value system, based chiefly on money. Also, majority of the traffic is carried through unsurfaced roads. Types of roads in India are varied. Indian roads have been classified as national highways, state highways, other PWD (public works department) roads, rural roads, urban roads and project roads. Moreover in India, border roads are considered important from the defense point of view. The trunk roads often follow the ancient tracks that are not direct. ![]() Development of Roadways in India Development of roadways in India dates back to approximately 2800 BC and coincides with the existence of Indus Valley Civilization. Later, rulers in India brought about the development of roadways. But it is important to note that at the time of Indian Independence in 1947, the country had a poor road network infrastructure. An organization called the National Highways Authority of India was created in India in 1988. Its task was to develop, maintain and manage India's road network through national highways. The organization has privatized road network development in India, since 1995. With regards to development of roadways in India, it is important to note that improved road communication has been considerably extended to almost all the regions of the country. Indian villages that were initially cut off during the rainy season have now been well connected with the main roads. Moreover, there has been progressive multiplication of buses, cars and trucks on the roadways in India, in the past few decades. Over the years, with the tremendous increase in traffic, many roads have been broadened and made straight. Density of Roadways in India Density of roadways in India varies from place to place. ![]() Significance of Roadways in India Roadways in India help the transportation segment of the country to contribute about 4.7 percent towards the gross domestic product. These roadways carry over 65 percent of India’s freight traffic and about 85 percent of its passenger traffic. They help in traversing forests and pass across deserts. Roads connected by Indian bridges help to cover strong rivers, even in times of sudden water gushing. They can be built on higher gradients of slopes and can span Indian mountains, such as the Himalayas. (Last Updated on : 15-06-2017) |
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Roadways in India, Indian Transport