Nitin Gadkari’s Ministry Supports IIT’s Innovative Waste Plastic Technology for National Highway Construction
In a pioneering effort, the Road Transport Ministry, led by Nitin Gadkari, has utilized waste plastic in a wet mix with bitumen to construct a section of a national highway. This initiative aims to reduce India’s reliance on imported bitumen while addressing the increasing volume of plastic waste. A pilot test section has been laid along NH-44 in Jhansi, with officials estimating that the new technology could decrease conventional bitumen consumption by approximately 4%, potentially lowering costs by about 20%.
The Process
The innovative waste plastic wet-process technology for producing Waste Plastic Modified Bitumen (W-PMB 76-10) was developed by IIT (BHU), Varanasi, under a research program funded by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. IIT (BHU) will monitor the pilot stretch to assess its long-term performance and suitability for broader application. India generates around 25,000 tonnes of plastic waste daily, and the new method marks a shift from the previous dry-mix process, where plastic was mixed with aggregates. In this pilot, treated waste plastic is blended directly with bitumen, making it the first such project on a national highway.
Officials noted several advantages of this technology, including the effective use of waste plastic through a controlled process and improved resistance to rutting in high-temperature conditions. The technology has received a patent and employs low-density polyethylene (LDPE), sourced from discarded irrigation pipes and plastic folders. Local recyclers and MSMEs have contributed to processing this material, linking waste recycling with infrastructure development. Laboratory tests indicate that LDPE-modified bitumen offers enhanced moisture resistance and better performance under heavy traffic loads and extreme temperatures.
Sustainable Alternatives in Every Sector
India is actively exploring sustainable alternatives in its infrastructure and transportation sectors. Following the introduction of E20 petrol, the focus is shifting to flex-fuel engines that can operate entirely on ethanol, or E100. Minister Nitin Gadkari recently emphasized ethanol’s potential to boost farmers’ incomes while reducing dependence on imported petroleum. He made these comments during the inauguration of a new public bus service in Madhya Pradesh.
Gadkari highlighted the benefits of expanding ethanol production, noting that maize prices have surged from Rs 1,200 to Rs 2,600 per quintal as a result. He described farmers as not only food providers but also energy providers. The minister stated that flex-fuel engines are under development, with plans to introduce vehicles utilizing this technology. He reiterated the importance of transitioning to cleaner fuels to lower pollution and reduce India’s fuel import dependence, which currently stands at around Rs 22 lakh crore.
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