Indian Govt To Utilise Solid Waste For Road Construction, Aims To Transform Waste Management Challenges Into Opportunities For Infrastructure Growth
Nitin Gadkari, India’s Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, announced a major sustainability initiative for road construction. Before 2027, the government plans to utilize all solid waste for road construction. This move aims to transform waste management challenges into opportunities for infrastructure growth.
Gadkari revealed that around 80 lakh tonnes of solid waste segregation for road-building purposes is already complete. He emphasized that using the right technology should prevent considering any material as waste. The initiative aligns with the government’s broader goal of turning waste into wealth.
The Plan
The plan focuses on repurposing plastic, rubber, and construction debris in road projects across India. The use of such materials can significantly reduce pollution and landfill waste. This also promises to lower construction costs and conserve natural resources.
India has already tested plastic-modified bitumen and recycled construction waste in road-building. These pilot projects have demonstrated improved road durability and water resistance. The 2027 target will now push these practices to a nationwide scale.
However, poor waste segregation and inconsistent material quality pose remaining challenges. The government must ensure strict standards and proper processing systems. Without these, large-scale adoption may face performance and durability issues.
Probable Challenges
To succeed, authorities must coordinate between municipalities, waste processors, and highway agencies. The key to logistics efficiency will be building regional waste processing facilities. Financial incentives and regulatory mandates may further encourage contractor participation.
This initiative supports India’s circular economy and green infrastructure goals. It complements other government efforts like ethanol blending and sustainable fuel promotion. If executed well, it could make India a global example of eco-friendly infrastructure innovation.
Outlook
By 2027, India aims to eliminate visible waste dumps and repurpose them for national development. Gadkari envisions clean cities and sustainable roadways across the country. Turning garbage into highways may soon become India’s next green revolution.
