Punjab’s first plastic road inaugurated

Initiative offers inexpensive, resilient environmental solution

LAHORE:

Punjab’s first plastic road linking the Gymkhana with Jail Road was inaugurated on Monday.

The provincial communications and works secretary, and professors from the University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore, gave a detailed briefing on the Zafar Ali Plastic Road to Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi.

They said one of the key advantages of a plastic road was its resilience against rainwater, ensuring a lifespan of a minimum of 10 years. The cost of constructing a plastic road is also significantly lower, with the project incurring expenses of Rs20 million as compared to Rs60 million estimated for a regular road of the same length.

A crucial environmental benefit is that the plastic used in the roads is sourced from recycled material, effectively repurposing plastic waste that would otherwise contribute to pollution. Thus the eco-friendly approach to road construction not only minimises costs but also serves as a sustainable solution.

The caretaker CM said a one-month review of the road would pave the way for the expansion of the initiative, including the transformation of The Mall into a plastic road.

The experts said used shopping bags and other plastic material were integral components in the construction of the roads. The production process of plastic roads is more time-efficient and cost-effective compared to asphalt roads. Additionally, they require considerably less maintenance, making them a practical and long-lasting infrastructure choice.

Japanese Ambassador Wada Mitsuhiro also called on the caretaker CM and assured him of continued technical support and commitment to cooperation in fields such as museums and culture.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 26^th, 2023.