In a significant move to reduce dependence on imported bitumen and bolster sustainable infrastructure, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has initiated a groundbreaking pilot project using lignin-based bio-bitumen technology. The project was launched by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari in Nagpur, marking a new chapter in India’s road construction efforts.
The pilot project, conducted in collaboration with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR)-Central Road Research Institute (CRRI), and Praj Industries, aims to create more sustainable and cost-effective roads. The project showcases the application of lignin, a natural polymer derived from biomass, as a substitute for conventional bitumen in road construction.
Tackling Rising Bitumen Imports
The push for alternative road construction materials comes at a time when India faces an escalating reliance on imported bitumen. Official statistics from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas indicate that bitumen sales surged by 10% in FY 2024, totaling 8.8 million metric tonnes (MMT). This increase is attributed to the surge in road construction activities, with NHAI constructing over 12,000 kilometers of national highways in FY 2024, the second highest ever.
However, more than 40% of the bitumen consumed in India is imported, contributing significantly to the nation’s import bills. In FY 2024, India spent USD 1.3 billion on bitumen imports, reflecting a sharp rise of 8% from the previous year. This heavy reliance on imports has spurred the government to explore alternatives to reduce costs and ensure energy security in the road construction sector.
Innovative Solutions: Lignin-Based Bio-Bitumen
To address this challenge, the MoRTH is pushing for the commercialization of lignin-based bio-bitumen, which has the potential to significantly cut India’s reliance on imported bitumen. The successful application of this technology could not only reduce costs but also promote environmental sustainability. Lignin-based bio-bitumen is a renewable, eco-friendly binder derived from lignocellulosic biomass, commonly found in agricultural waste like crop residues.
According to Gadkari, the adoption of lignin as a sustainable binder is a major step forward in flexible pavement technology. “This innovation supports global sustainability goals by generating revenue for bio-refineries, mitigating stubble burning, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 70% compared to fossil-based bitumen,” he said.
A Vision for Self-Reliance and Sustainable Growth
This initiative ties in closely with the Indian government’s broader vision for sustainable industrial growth, as outlined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) campaign. By promoting green technologies and advancing bio-bitumen production, India aims to create a self-sustaining supply chain for road construction materials.
The project also aligns with the government’s broader efforts to explore alternative materials, such as recycled waste and molasses, in road construction. A dedicated committee has been established within the ministry to identify and evaluate best international practices and alternatives to conventional cement and steel, which have seen rising costs.
Successful Trials and Future Prospects
In a historic move, Gadkari inaugurated India’s first bio-bitumen-based National Highway stretch on NH-44 in Mansar, Nagpur, Maharashtra. This trial marks a pivotal moment in the country’s quest for innovative, sustainable infrastructure solutions.
The successful results from this pilot project are expected to pave the way for the large-scale commercial production of bio-bitumen, which will be used extensively in national highway construction. This development could transform the road construction industry in India, making it more cost-effective, eco-friendly, and self-reliant.
As the technology advances, the government plans to transfer the technology to private entities and public sector enterprises for large-scale production, further boosting India’s infrastructure capabilities while ensuring alignment with the nation’s sustainability goals.
The lignin-based bio-bitumen project is a testament to India’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint, promoting self-reliance in infrastructure, and contributing to global sustainability efforts.
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