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Hetauda, Jan 21: A one-day training programme on rigid pavement design and construction concluded in Hetauda, with a strong call to shift road building practices toward locally produced cement.

The programme was organised by the Nepal Cement Producers’ Association, with support from IPTM Nepal Pvt Ltd. Association President Raghunandan Maru chaired the event. Bagmati Province Chief Minister Indra Bahadur Baniya attended as the chief guest.

While opening the programme, Chief Minister Baniya urged authorities to cut back on imported bitumen and give preference to domestic cement in road projects. He said this shift would support local industries and also help narrow the country’s trade deficit. He linked the issue to sustainable development and a self-reliant economy, saying Nepal must rely more on its own raw materials.

Baniya also said the Bagmati Province government plans to work closely with the cement sector and place such initiatives high on the agenda in the upcoming budget. He added that moving from blacktopped roads to concrete roads would raise cement use and improve road quality.

Engineer Arjun Jung Thapa made a technical presentation on rigid pavement and its relevance in Nepal. He pointed to problems caused by terrain, climate, weak road foundations, rising traffic, and heavy transport loads. According to him, concrete roads provide a dependable option for long-lasting infrastructure.

Speakers at the programme said over 90 per cent of passenger and goods movement in Nepal depends on road transport, which makes durable road networks a clear priority. They noted that concrete roads cost more at the start but save money over time due to lower maintenance needs and longer service life.

The training covered types of concrete roads, selection methods, design basics, structural components, joints, reinforcement, and construction practices. Organisers said the programme targeted engineers and technical staff involved in policy, planning, design, supervision, and construction.

Participants included local ward officials, senior engineers, former association leaders, representatives from various institutions, and provincial technical personnel.

People’s News Monitoring Service