What is 'Whitetopping Technology'? Centre's initiative for pothole-free national highways

New Delhi: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is set to introduce a groundbreaking policy aimed at enhancing the durability and performance of India's national highway network through the implementation of "Whitetopping Technology." The ministry has called upon stakeholders to provide feedback on this proposed policy by September 7. The policy, titled "Use of Whitetopping Technology for Rehabilitation/Strengthening of National Highways," marks a significant step towards modernizing highway infrastructure.

MoRTH's road rehabilitation efforts

India’s national highway network spans approximately 146,000 kilometers. As the country expands its highway system to include more 2, 4, and 6-lane roads and expressways, the challenge of maintaining and rehabilitating aging infrastructure grows. Flexible pavements, a major network component, are particularly susceptible to deterioration. To address this issue, MoRTH is exploring various rehabilitation techniques, including Whitetopping.

What is Whitetopping Technology?

Whitetopping Technology involves applying a Portland Cement Concrete (PCC) overlay to existing bituminous roads. This technique is designed to improve the road’s durability and extend its lifespan. Although the initial costs associated with Whitetopping are higher than those of flexible overlays, its long-term benefits make it a cost-effective solution.

Whitetopping is already in use under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), a program aimed at improving rural road infrastructure. As of March 2022, the National Rural Infrastructure Development Agency approved 4,831 kilometers of roads for Whitetopping. Additionally, since 2016, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has been implementing this technology in select areas of Bengaluru through Special Infrastructure Projects Grants.

What are benefits of Whitetopping Technology? 

The implementation of Whitetopping Technology offers several significant advantages over traditional bituminous overlays:

• Extended Pavement Lifespan: Whitetopping can extend the life of a road by 20 to 25 years. This long lifespan reduces the need for frequent maintenance and lane closures.
• Lower Life-Cycle Costs: While the initial installation cost is higher, the overall life-cycle costs of Whitetopping are lower compared to bituminous overlays. This is due to reduced maintenance needs and fewer road closures.
• Enhanced Durability: The technology provides a durable wearing surface that is especially effective in areas with high rainfall. The concrete’s lighter color improves light reflection, reduces heat absorption, and helps mitigate the urban heat island effect.
• Maintenance and Environmental Benefits: Whitetopping technology resists common issues such as rutting and cracking that are prevalent in bituminous pavements, particularly in hot climates. It also requires less frequent maintenance, which translates into fewer road closures and disruptions. Additionally, concrete roads have been shown to consume less fuel compared to bituminous roads, offering an environmental benefit.
• Structural Improvement: When applied over a solid base, Whitetopping enhances the structural capacity of existing bituminous pavements. This results in reduced structural distress and increased longevity.