The state government is implementing an effective road development policy aimed at strengthening, securing and enhancing the durability of road infrastructure across Himachal Pradesh. Special emphasis is being placed on improving connectivity to rural and remote areas through modern construction technologies.
In line with this vision, the Public Works Department (PWD) is using the advanced Full-Depth Reclamation (FDR) technique for road construction and reconstruction works being undertaken in the Karsog subdivision of Mandi district under the third phase of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-III).
Under this initiative, four key roads in the Karsog region are being reconstructed using FDR technology. These include the 17-km Kheel–Bhagalu road, 11-km Kheel–Kufri Mahunag road, 10-km Chalog–Bagaila road, and 15-km Kelodhar–Syanj road, with a total investment of around Rs 44.50 crore.
According to PWD officials, Full-Depth Reclamation is a modern and scientific method of road reconstruction. In this process, the existing damaged road layers are milled and recycled in full depth using specialised machinery. The reclaimed material is processed and stabilised to form a strong base layer, over which a new road surface is laid.
This technique strengthens the entire pavement structure, ensures higher construction quality and promotes sustainability by reusing existing materials instead of discarding them.
Unlike conventional repair methods that typically address only the surface layer, the FDR rehabilitates the full road structure, preventing recurring cracks and potholes caused by weaknesses in the underlying layers.
Officials also highlighted the environmental benefits of the FDR, noting that reuse of existing road material reduces the demand for fresh aggregates, minimises construction waste and helps conserve natural resources.
Ajay Raj Gupta, Executive Engineer, PWD, Karsog division, said under the state government’s road development policy, roads constructed under PMGSY-III in the region were being developed and reconstructed using the FDR technology. He further stated that four major roads in the subdivision had already been reconstructed using this technique.
