Overview of Clean, Green Highways Initiative
Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, announced India's progress into an era of "Clean, Green Highways" through the successful technology transfer of "Bio-Bitumen via Pyrolysis: From Farm Residue to Roads". This marks a significant shift towards sustainable infrastructure using indigenous innovations.
Development and Benefits
- The technology was developed by CSIR–Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI), New Delhi, and CSIR–Indian Institute of Petroleum (CSIR-IIP), Dehradun.
- It offers cost-effective road construction with a longer lifespan and reduces environmental pollution.
- Bio-bitumen aims to replace imported bitumen, reducing costs by Rs 25,000–30,000 crore annually.
Strategic Importance
- The initiative supports national missions such as Atmanirbhar Bharat and economic self-reliance.
- Apart from financial benefits, it addresses stubble management and reduces foreign dependency.
- A 100-metre test stretch on the Jorabat–Shillong Expressway demonstrates its practicality.
Technological and Economic Impacts
- Patent filed for bio-bitumen technology, involving multiple industries for commercial deployment.
- Dr. Singh described it as a "whole-of-nation" effort, aligning with Prime Minister Modi's vision for a developed India.
- India is the first to scale bio-bitumen technology industrially and commercially within the same year.
Environmental and Industrial Significance
- Pyrolysis of biomass produces several valuable outputs such as bio-binder, gaseous fuel, bio-pesticides, and carbon for advanced materials.
- The process is emission-free and cost-effective, suggesting policy-level blending for nationwide deployment.
Stakeholder Collaboration
The event saw participation from CSIR leadership, former directors, scientists, industry partners, and media, underscoring the collaboration between science, government, and industry.
