Thiruvananthapuram: The central government has come up with strict quality regulations after the recurring incidents of spurious bitumen being distributed across the country came to its attention.

The Union Ministry for Road Transport and Highways has issued strict inspection guidelines for improving road tar grading and quality. According to the union government, the selection of an appropriate grade of the bituminous binder for a particular section of the National Highway based on prevailing loading, ambient temperature, and rainfall and ensuring the quality of bituminous binder during construction is indispensable to have durable flexible pavement.

The guidelines will be applicable to the Kerala Public Works Department (PWD) as well. However, the PWD sources have maintained that the whole set of new regulations can’t be practically implemented in the state. For example, the new rules stipulate the construction of a huge tank beside the mixing plant. However, construction of such tanks won’t be economically feasible for small-scale contractors in the state who tend to undertake road construction activities within a small stretch, probably under ten kilometres. However, the construction of such tanks is mandatory for contractors who will be engaged in the construction of national highways for up to 80-90 kilometres.

Here are the key guidelines:

Considering the shortfall of domestic production vis-a-vis demand, the use of imported bitumen may be accepted. Traceability of imported bitumen shall be ensured. Along with each tanker load, a Manufacturer’s Test Certificate (MTC) shall be provided. MTC will also have details such as the name of the origin country, name of the refinery, GPS coordinates of loading and unloading ports, and adopted refining process.

The contractor shall have a well-equipped laboratory at the project site. All the equipment in the laboratory shall have a valid calibration certificate. 

Before unloading of Bitumen into the storage tank of the Hot Mix Plant, it shall be tested for properties such as Viscosity at 60°C, Penetration and Softening Point Test. After satisfactory test results, bitumen shall be allowed for unloading. The test of other properties shall be carried out as per the frequency specified in Section 900 of the Ministry's Specifications for Road and Bridge Works. As the establishment of a site laboratory for carrying out all tests on bitumen may be difficult in projects costing less than Rs 25 Crore (Civil Works Cost), the option to use a nearby established reputed laboratory can be given to the contractor in which case such laboratory details should be intimated to RO / EE NH PWD to plan their random checks.

Detailed guidelines are available at Union Ministry for Road Transport and Highways' website.