India has adopted a groundbreaking technique to tackle the challenge of steel slag waste generated during steel production. The country is now utilizing this waste material to construct durable roads along the India-China border in Arunachal Pradesh. The initiative, developed by the CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CRRI), offers numerous advantages over traditional road construction methods.
According to Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh, these steel slag roads not only provide a more cost-effective solution, but they also exhibit exceptional durability and resistance to weather-induced deterioration. Minister Singh emphasized that the roads constructed using steel slag are approximately 30 percent more cost-effective than conventional methods.
In a significant milestone last year, India witnessed its first processed steel slag road in Surat, Gujarat. This experimental project, undertaken as a joint venture between CSIR-CRRI, the Union Ministry of Steel, NITI Aayog, and Arcelor-Mittal Nippon Steel, demonstrated remarkable resilience to weather impacts and heavy truck traffic. Surprisingly, even though the surface of the steel slag road was 30 percent shallower than those paved with natural aggregates, it withstood the test of time.
Recognizing the immense potential of this innovative technology, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) also embraced the use of steel slag in road construction. The BRO constructed a long-lasting and heavy-duty road in Arunachal Pradesh, a strategically crucial region along the India-China border. This development will not only improve connectivity but also enhance the region’s infrastructure resilience.
To facilitate the implementation of this eco-friendly road construction approach, Tata Steel stepped up and contributed steel slag free-of-cost. The steel slag was efficiently transported from Jamshedpur to Arunachal Pradesh by the Indian Railways, enabling the successful execution of the project. Tata Steel’s involvement highlights the commitment of the private sector in supporting sustainable infrastructure development in India.
In addition to Tata Steel’s contribution, the National Highways Authority of India conducted successful tests of the steel slag road technology on the Mumbai-Goa National Highway-66. This testing phase further validated the effectiveness and durability of this innovative approach to road construction. It is expected that the steel slag roads will become a common sight on highways across the country, revolutionizing India’s infrastructure landscape.
As the world’s second-largest steel producer, India generates a significant amount of steel slag waste—approximately 200 kg per tonne of steel production. By repurposing this waste material for road construction, India is transforming industrial waste into a valuable resource. This initiative aligns with the country’s commitment to sustainability and its pursuit of resilient infrastructure development.
The use of steel slag in road construction not only helps address the issue of slag waste generated by steel plants but also contributes to the creation of durable and sustainable infrastructure. With this forward-thinking approach, India is setting an example for other nations in utilizing waste materials to build stronger and more enduring roads. The successful implementation of this technique will have far-reaching implications, improving road quality, reducing costs, and promoting a greener and more efficient construction industry.
In conclusion, India’s employment of steel slag in road construction marks a significant milestone in sustainable infrastructure development. This innovative approach offers cost-effectiveness, exceptional durability, and resistance to weather-induced deterioration. With the support of organizations like CSIR-CRRI, BRO, Tata Steel, and the National Highways Authority of India, the country is successfully transforming industrial waste into a valuable asset. By embracing this forward-thinking initiative, India is not only reducing environmental impact but also creating resilient and sustainable infrastructure for the future.