NHAI Reused 63 Million Tonnes of Waste for Roads

17 Jul 2025 CW Team

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) reused over 63 million tonnes of waste materials in constructing highways during 2023–24, marking a significant shift toward more sustainable infrastructure development.

NHAI constructed 6,634 km of highways in the year—a 20 per cent increase over the previous fiscal. Despite the rise in activity, greenhouse gas emissions fell from 1.0 to 0.8 metric tonnes of CO₂ per km, indicating cleaner and more environmentally responsible construction methods.

Materials such as fly ash, pond ash, plastic waste, and reclaimed asphalt were utilised as alternatives to virgin raw materials, reducing pollution and conserving resources. NHAI also mandates the use of fly ash in road projects located near power plants.

In line with its green initiatives, NHAI planted 5.6 million trees in 2023–24 and a further 6.75 million in 2024–25. Water consumption in arid regions was cut by 74 per cent through efficient usage practices.

Plastic waste is being repurposed for road construction in states including Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and along sections of NH-48. Approximately 7 tonnes of plastic are reused for each kilometre of four-lane highways, diverting plastic waste from landfills and the environment.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari remarked, “Sustainability is now integral to road building. NHAI uses recycled materials, builds solar plants, conserves rainwater, and safeguards biodiversity.”

With lower emissions, longer-lasting roads, and improved environmental outcomes, India is progressing steadily towards green and smart highway infrastructure.

Infrastructure Transport

01 Jun 2026

MMRDA advances 250 m on Orange Gate–Marine Drive tunnel

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has completed 250 m of underground tunnelling for the Orange Gate–Marine Drive Urban Road Tunnel using India’s largest slurry shield tunnel boring machine (TBM) deployed for an urban road project.The project involves twin tunnels extending over 7 km beneath critical transport corridors, including Central Railway, Western Railway and Metro Line 3. The work requires high-precision engineering to navigate densely developed urban infrastructure.Once completed, the tunnel is expected to reduce travel time between Orange Gate and Marin..

Hindustan Zinc Pays Rs 188.46 Billion in FY26

Hindustan Zinc contributed Rs 188.46 billion to the public exchequer in FY 2025-26, according to its 9th Tax Transparency Report. The contribution, equivalent to 46 per cent of the company’s revenue, included direct and indirect taxes, government royalties, dividends to the Government of India, withholding taxes and other statutory levies.The company’s five-year cumulative contribution to the exchequer stood at Rs 915.72 billion. In FY26, Hindustan Zinc reported revenue of Rs 408.44 billion, EBITDA of Rs 221.62 billion and profit after tax of Rs 138.32 billion. It also achieved its highest..

World of Concrete India 2026 Opens in Mumbai

Informa Markets in India will host the 12th edition of World of Concrete India 2026 from 3–5 June 2026 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai. The specialised B2B exhibition will bring together manufacturers, suppliers, contractors, developers, architects, consultants, infrastructure companies, project leaders and government stakeholders.The event is expected to feature over 350 brands and more than 18,000 trade professionals. It will cover concrete and cement, dry mortar, precast technologies, formwork, construction chemicals, industrial and commercial flooring, scaffolding, safety solutio..