In a significant step towards sustainable infrastructure, Dr V.K. Saraswat, Member (Science) of Niti Aayog, unveiled new guidelines for utilising steel slag in road construction. This announcement took place at the First International Conference on Steel Slag Road, organised by CSIR-CRRI and PHDCCI in New Delhi. The guidelines promote the use of processed steel slag aggregates in road construction, harnessing waste from the steel industry to support environmental sustainability. Dr Saraswat highlighted the substantial benefits of these guidelines, including cost savings, reduced environmental impact, and improved road performance. Dr Saraswat linked the initiative to Prime Minister Narendra Modi?s ?Waste to Wealth? vision, acknowledging significant contributions from Dr Manoranjan Parida, Director of CRRI, and Shri Satish Pandey, Principal Scientist. Shri Nagendra Nath Sinha, Secretary to the Government of India, Ministry of Steel, emphasized the R&D efforts leading to these guidelines, noting that the Ministry of Steel sponsored a major project with CSIR-Central Road Research Institute to facilitate the large-scale use of steel slag as a substitute for natural aggregates in road construction. The guidelines also provide a framework for the safe handling and storage of steel slag to prevent environmental contamination, reflecting a comprehensive approach to sustainable construction practices. Dr N. Kalaiselvi, Secretary, DSIR and DG, CSIR, supported the initiative, mentioning the Steel Slag Road between Mumbai and Goa as a landmark project demonstrating the efficacy and potential of this technology. Industry leaders also participated in the conference, discussing the broader applications and environmental benefits of using steel slag in road construction. Mr. Ranjan Dhar of ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India highlighted the success of India?s first steel slag road in Hazira, Surat, which used 100,000 tonnes of processed steel slag and has gained national and international recognition for its innovative approach. (Source: ET)