How plastic waste can be used effectively in roads
ROADS & HIGHWAYS

How plastic waste can be used effectively in roads

Whether it is Mumbai, Delhi or Bengaluru, the annual arrival of monsoon brings along with it the glaring issue of potholes. Between 2013 and 2017, the country has recorded 14,926 deaths because of pothole accidents. In more recent numbers, 4,775 road accidents in 2020 were from potholes and 2021 saw about 3,565 accidents. It is also around this time that authorities scramble to, quite literally, plug the issue. In a more serious case, an expressway recently caved in under the heavy rains, a mere five days after its grand opening.

Widely known as the ‘Plastic Man of India’, Dr Rajagopalan Vasudevan, Professor of Chemistry, Thiagarajar College of Engineering, Madurai, is credited with developing the innovative method of using plastic waste in road construction. Working under the motto of “Plan, Don’t Ban”, the Padma Shri awardee has been developing the use of plastic in various areas such as tiles, sanitaryware, in toilets, ‘plastone’ (plastic-stone) blocks, and many more. He shares more on the process, application and benefits of using plastics as an alternative to road construction.

The process

India has 46 lakh km of roads. To convert all these roads into plastic-made roads, I need 250 lakh tonne of plastic and India produces about 10 lakh tonne. The entire process can be broken down into four parts: collect it, cut it, dry it and use it. The process itself is quite easy and doesn’t require any high-tech machinery.

To read the full article, CLICK HERE.

Whether it is Mumbai, Delhi or Bengaluru, the annual arrival of monsoon brings along with it the glaring issue of potholes. Between 2013 and 2017, the country has recorded 14,926 deaths because of pothole accidents. In more recent numbers, 4,775 road accidents in 2020 were from potholes and 2021 saw about 3,565 accidents. It is also around this time that authorities scramble to, quite literally, plug the issue. In a more serious case, an expressway recently caved in under the heavy rains, a mere five days after its grand opening. Widely known as the ‘Plastic Man of India’, Dr Rajagopalan Vasudevan, Professor of Chemistry, Thiagarajar College of Engineering, Madurai, is credited with developing the innovative method of using plastic waste in road construction. Working under the motto of “Plan, Don’t Ban”, the Padma Shri awardee has been developing the use of plastic in various areas such as tiles, sanitaryware, in toilets, ‘plastone’ (plastic-stone) blocks, and many more. He shares more on the process, application and benefits of using plastics as an alternative to road construction. The process India has 46 lakh km of roads. To convert all these roads into plastic-made roads, I need 250 lakh tonne of plastic and India produces about 10 lakh tonne. The entire process can be broken down into four parts: collect it, cut it, dry it and use it. The process itself is quite easy and doesn’t require any high-tech machinery. To read the full article, CLICK HERE.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

India To Invest $37 Billion To Boost Petrochemical Capacity

India is set to become a major global player in the petrochemicals industry, driven by a planned capital expenditure of $37 billion (Rs 3.1 trillion) aimed at reducing import dependency and enhancing self-sufficiency, according to S&P Global Ratings.In its latest report titled “First China, Now India: Self-Sufficiency Goals Will Add To Petrochemicals Supply”, S&P said India’s large-scale capacity expansion—mirroring China’s earlier push—will likely intensify oversupply pressures in Asia’s petrochemical markets.Currently the world’s third-largest petrochemical consumer a..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Indian Railways Expands Global Exports Of Rail Equipment

Indian Railways has announced that it is rapidly emerging as a global exporter of railway equipment, including bogies, coaches, locomotives, and propulsion systems, under the government’s ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ initiative.According to an official statement, India’s railway products are now reaching over 16 international markets, reflecting the country’s growing capacity to design, develop, and deliver world-class rail solutions.Metro coaches have been exported to Australia and Canada; bogies to the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, France, and Australia; propulsion systems t..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

RailTel Awards Rs 163 Million Contract To RTNS Technology

RailTel Corporation of India Limited (RailTel), a Mini Ratna Public Sector Undertaking, has awarded a domestic work order worth Rs 163 million to RTNS Technology Private Limited.The contract, issued on 30 September 2025, involves the supply and installation of equipment and related services for one of RailTel’s key customers. The project underscores RailTel’s commitment to advancing technology and communication infrastructure through collaboration with domestic system integrators.RTNS Technology Private Limited, an ISO-certified system integrator, provides comprehensive solutions for perim..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?