Road, Transport and Highways Ministry has decided to implement a Value Engineering Programme to promote new technologies and material in highway projects. <br/><br/>In an official release, the Ministry said, the programme is aimed at using innovative technology, materials and equipment to reduce the cost of projects and make them more environment friendly. <br/><br/>It said, the programme is expected to increase the speed of construction, reduce construction cost, increase asset durability and improve aesthetics and safety. <br/><br/>The Ministry also reconstituted a nine-member experts' panel for approving proposals for use of new technologies, material and equipment. <br/><br/>The reconstituted panel is chaired by SR Tambe, former Secretary, PWD Maharashtra and co-chaired by Prof Ravi Sinha, IIT Mumbai. <br/><br/>The expert panel will examine all technical matters involving the new technologies, materials and equipment referred to it by the concerned Engineers or contractors.