Gadkari Inaugurates India’s First Bio-Bitumen Highway Stretch in Nagpur

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, has inaugurated India’s first bio-bitumen-based National Highway stretch on NH-44 in Mansar, Nagpur, Maharashtra. Developed using lignin-based bio-bitumen technology by Praj Industries in collaboration with CSIR-CRRI, NHAI, and Oriental, this marks a milestone in sustainable road construction.

The innovative use of lignin as a binder addresses bitumen scarcity, reducing India’s dependency on imports, which currently accounts for 50% of the supply. This development supports global sustainability goals by generating revenue for bio-refineries, reducing stubble burning, and cutting greenhouse gas emissions by over 70% compared to fossil-based bitumen.

Leveraging India’s abundant lignocellulosic biomass, the initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, promoting green technologies and self-reliance in industrial growth.

On December 21, 2024, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, inaugurated India’s first bio-bitumen-based National Highway stretch on NH-44 in Mansar, Nagpur, Maharashtra. This pioneering project marks a significant advancement in sustainable road construction in the country.

Innovative Use of Lignin-Based Bio-Bitumen

The newly developed highway segment utilizes lignin-based bio-bitumen technology, an eco-friendly alternative to traditional fossil-derived bitumen. This innovative approach was spearheaded by Praj Industries in collaboration with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI), the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), and Oriental.

Lignin, a natural polymer found in plant cell walls, is processed into bio-bitumen, offering a sustainable solution for road construction. This method not only addresses the scarcity of conventional bitumen but also reduces dependence on imports, which currently account for 50% of India’s bitumen supply.

The adoption of lignin-based bio-bitumen presents several advantages:

• Environmental Impact: The use of bio-bitumen results in a 70% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional bitumen, contributing to global sustainability goals. praj.net
• Economic Efficiency: By utilizing agricultural waste products, such as lignocellulosic biomass, this technology provides an additional revenue stream for bio-refineries and reduces the environmental issue of stubble burning. constructionweekonline.in
• Import Reduction: Implementing bio-bitumen can significantly decrease India’s reliance on imported bitumen, promoting self-reliance in infrastructure development. indianchemicalnews.com

A Step Towards Sustainable Infrastructure

This initiative aligns with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) by promoting indigenous and sustainable technologies in infrastructure projects. The successful application of lignin-based bio-bitumen in the Nagpur-Mansar Bypass project sets a precedent for future eco-friendly road construction endeavors across the nation.

In his address, Minister Nitin Gadkari highlighted the transformative potential of this technology, emphasizing its role in creating value from waste and benefiting farmers. He stated, “Now the farmers, who are the ‘annadata’ and ‘urjadata,’ will become ‘bitumendata’… This will help in creating value from waste and benefit the farmers also.”

The inauguration of this bio-bitumen highway stretch represents a significant milestone in India’s journey towards sustainable and self-reliant infrastructure.

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