1. BRO successfully uses indigenous ‘Rejupave’ technology for high-altitude bituminous roads near the India-China border in Arunachal Pradesh.
2. Developed by CSIR-CRRI, ‘Rejupave’ facilitates construction in low and sub-zero temperatures.
3. Innovation contributes to building a robust road network under challenging conditions.
Itanagar, Jan 05: The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has successfully employed innovative indigenous road construction technology to build high-altitude bituminous road sections near the India-China border in Arunachal Pradesh.
The technology, known as ‘Rejupave’ and developed by CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI), proves invaluable for constructing high-altitude bituminous roads in low and sub-zero temperature conditions.
Utilized at the Sela tunnel and LDY road site, the ‘Rejupave’ technology allows for the production of low-temperature bituminous mixes, operating effectively at altitudes of 14,000 feet and 18,000 feet.
According to Additional Director General (East) of BRO, PKH Singh, this technology reduces production and rolling temperatures of bituminous mixes by 30 degrees Celsius to 400 degrees Celsius, minimizing heat loss during transit amid snowfall.
The application of ‘Rejupave’ extends the working window for road construction companies in challenging conditions, facilitating the development of a robust road network at a faster pace.
Satish Pandey, Principal Scientist of CSIR-CRRI and the inventor of ‘Rejupave,’ explained that the asphalt modifier used in the indigenous technology is a bio oil-based product.
It significantly lowers the heating requirement of bituminous mixes while preserving the temperature during transit.
Pandey highlighted that the use of ‘Rejupave’ technology not only aids the BRO in constructing roads at sub-zero temperatures but also contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the ecologically sensitive mountainous environment of Arunachal Pradesh.
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Roads built using ‘Rejupave’ asphalt modifier in cold climatic regions exhibit improved long-term durability and better resistance to thermal cracking under low-temperature conditions.
Developing a robust road infrastructure at a faster pace along the India-China border is a key priority for the central government, aiming to enhance the operational capacity of the defense forces.
The construction and maintenance of high-altitude bituminous roads in Arunachal Pradesh have historically posed challenges for the BRO, particularly during winter months when the majority of work gets either halted or delayed due to increased heating times required for hot bituminous mix production in hot mix plants.
The successful implementation of ‘Rejupave’ technology addresses these challenges and supports the strategic infrastructure development in the border areas.
