Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, has highlighted the potential of agricultural waste to be transformed into a valuable national resource, describing bio-bitumen as a major step towards achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. He said the innovation would strengthen India’s road infrastructure while promoting sustainable and environmentally responsible growth.

Speaking at the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research’s technology transfer ceremony titled From Farm Residue to Road: Bio-Bitumen via Pyrolysis, Gadkari said the development marked a historic milestone, with India becoming the first country in the world to commercially produce bio-bitumen. He congratulated Council of Scientific and Industrial Research and its scientists for the breakthrough, and acknowledged the support of Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh in advancing the initiative.

Gadkari noted that the use of agricultural residue for bio-bitumen directly addresses the issue of crop stubble burning, helping to reduce pollution while strengthening the circular economy. He added that blending bio-bitumen at 15 per cent could help India save nearly Rs 45 billion in foreign exchange and significantly reduce dependence on imported crude oil.

Highlighting the broader socio-economic impact, the Union Minister said the technology would empower farmers, generate rural livelihoods and stimulate the rural economy by creating value from agricultural waste that is otherwise burnt or discarded. He said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to self-reliance and sustainable development.

Describing bio-bitumen as a symbol of innovation aligned with national priorities, Gadkari said indigenous technologies of this nature are essential for building a cleaner, greener and more resilient road network. He reiterated that solutions rooted in local resources will play a key role in developing future-ready highways as India progresses towards the goals of Viksit Bharat 2047.