Gadkari's Waste-to-Bitumen Tech Paves Way for Reduced Import Dependence
Key Highlights
- India uses waste plastic in bitumen to reduce import dependence.
- Technology lowers conventional bitumen consumption by 4%.
- Modified bitumen could be 20% cheaper than conventional bitumen.
The Nitin Gadkari-led road Transport Ministry has made a significant breakthrough in reducing India's dependence on imported bitumen by leveraging waste plastic in a wet mix with bitumen for constructing a national highway stretch.
According to officials, the technology has the potential to lower conventional bitumen consumption by approximately 4%, thereby reducing the demand for a material that India largely imports to meet its domestic needs.
The development of premium-quality Waste Plastic Modified Bitumen (W-PMB 76-10) was helped by IIT (BHU) through a research programme funded by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
IIT (BHU) will closely monitor the pilot stretch to assess its long-term engineering performance and determine its suitability for widespread adoption.
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Experts highlight several benefits associated with this technology, including the value-added use of waste plastic through a scientifically controlled process.
Laboratory evaluations have demonstrated that LDPE-modified bitumen exhibits improved resistance to moisture damage and reduced rutting at high temperatures.
India is actively exploring sustainable alternatives across various infrastructure and transportation sectors.
The introduction of E20 petrol for cars has sparked attention towards flex-fuel engines capable of running on ethanol. With E100 being the next focus.
Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari recently emphasized the potential of ethanol to boost farmers' earnings while reducing India's reliance on imported petroleum.
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As part of his efforts to promote wider adoption of alternative fuels and cleaner public transport, Minister Gadkari has called for increased investment in these initiatives.
The successful implementation of this technology marks an important step towards reducing India's dependence on imported bitumen and promoting a more sustainable infrastructure development model.
Further research and evaluation will be necessary to fully realize the potential of this technology and its impact on India's transportation sector.
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I write about the forces shaping business and the global economy, from startup growth and changing markets to international trade and policy. My work focuses on breaking down complex developments into clear, practical insights and understanding what they could mean for businesses, investors, and the wider economy.
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