South 24-Parganas is constructing a road using plastic waste collected during the Gangasagar Mela. The 4.85-km stretch at Palta-Taltala in Canning II block is being developed with plastic-modified bitumen, expected to enhance durability and resilience against heavy traffic damage.
The project, costing around Rs 8 million, is in line with the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, and Indian Road Congress guidelines. In a pioneering environmental initiative, the South 24-Parganas district of West Bengal has embarked on constructing its first road using recycled plastic waste.
This 4.85-kilometer stretch, located in the Palta–Taltala area under the Canning II block, marks a significant step towards sustainable infrastructure development. The project commenced on March 1, 2025, with an estimated budget of ₹80 lakh.
Utilizing Gangasagar Mela Plastic Waste
The plastic waste repurposed for this road construction was collected during the Gangasagar Mela held in January 2025. The district administration collaborated with environmental organizations to gather and process the discarded plastic materials. These materials were shredded and subsequently mixed with bitumen to create a more durable and resilient road surface.
Technical Advantages of Plastic-Modified Roads
Enhanced Durability: The plastic-modified bitumen mixture improves the road’s resistance to extreme temperatures and heavy traffic, reducing the likelihood of cracks and potholes.
- Cost Efficiency: Utilizing plastic waste as an additive can lower the overall cost of bitumen, especially in regions with abundant plastic waste, making the construction process more economical.
- Environmental Impact: This method provides a practical solution for managing non-recyclable plastic waste, thereby reducing environmental pollution and promoting sustainable waste management practices. Incorporating plastic waste into road construction offers several technical benefits:
Alignment with National Guidelines
The initiative aligns with the Plastic Waste Management Rules of 2016 issued by the Central Government, which encourage local bodies to utilize plastic waste for road construction as per Indian Road Congress guidelines. By adopting this approach, the South 24-Parganas district not only addresses waste management challenges but also sets a precedent for other regions to follow.
Community and Administrative Support
The project has received substantial support from local panchayat functionaries and the district administration. Engineers involved in the construction have undergone specialized training to ensure the proper integration of plastic waste into the road-building process, adhering to safety and quality standards.
Future Prospects
The successful implementation of this project could pave the way for broader adoption of plastic-modified road construction across West Bengal and potentially other states. It serves as a model for integrating waste management solutions with infrastructure development, highlighting the potential of innovative approaches to address environmental challenges.
The construction of South 24-Parganas’ first road using recycled plastic waste exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to sustainable development. By transforming environmental pollutants into valuable resources, the district demonstrates a commitment to ecological preservation and infrastructural advancement, setting a benchmark for future projects nationwide.
Group Media Publication
Construction, Infrastructure and Mining
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