The First Concrete Road in India - Built in Chennai in 1914 | SpotGenie Facts
India’s first concrete road was built in Chennai (then Madras) in 1914, marking the beginning of modern, durable road construction in the country. This pioneering project influenced major routes like Delhi–Agra, Mumbai–Pune, and Mysore–Bangalore in the decades that followed.
🚧 The First Concrete Road in India, Chennai (Madras), 1914
When we think of India’s road network today—expressways, highways, and smart city streets—it's fascinating to trace the origins back to a single pioneering project:
👉 India’s first-ever concrete road, built in Chennai (Madras) in 1914.
🇮🇳 Why Chennai?
Madras was one of the earliest urban centres during British India with rising vehicle traffic and monsoon-related road deterioration. Engineers experimented with cement-concrete pavement, which was globally new at the time.
The result?
A smooth, strong, and weather-resistant road that remained in good condition far longer than expected.
📈 Impact of the 1914 Road
The success of this project encouraged the British government to commission more concrete roads across major commercial corridors in the 1920s–1930s:
- Delhi – Agra Road
- Mumbai – Pune Road
- Mysore – Bangalore Road
These stretches became early examples of durable road engineering in India.
⚠️ Why Concrete Roads Slowed Down After 1940
During World War II, cement became a strategic material and was diverted for military use. This shifted focus back to bitumen/asphalt roads, which were cheaper and easier to build quickly.
🔄 Concrete Roads Are Making a Comeback
Modern India is once again preferring concrete highways because they are:
- Highly durable
- Low maintenance
- Longer-lasting than asphalt
- Cost-effective over their life cycle
Many new expressways and urban corridors use rigid concrete pavement, continuing the legacy that began in Chennai more than a century ago.
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