NHAI Reused 63 Million Tonnes of Waste for Roads
ROADS & HIGHWAYS

NHAI Reused 63 Million Tonnes of Waste for Roads

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. 

Your next big infra connection is waiting at RAHSTA 2025 – Asia’s Biggest Roads & Highways Expo, Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai. Don’t miss out!

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. 

Next Story
Real Estate

Vitizen Hotels Signs Deal at Manyata Tech Park

Vikram Kamats Hospitality, as part of its ongoing expansion in key metropolitan markets, announced that its material subsidiary, Vitizen Hotels, has signed a long-term lease agreement for a 45-key hotel property at Manyata Tech Park, Bengaluru.Strategically located in the city’s prominent IT hub, the property is well-positioned to serve corporate travelers, business professionals, and long-stay guests. The addition aligns with the company’s asset-light growth model, leveraging long-term leases to expand its footprint in high-demand urban markets.The hotel is expected to strengthen the comp..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

CONCOR Signs MoU with BPIPL to Operate Container Terminal at Bhavnagar Port

Container Corporation of India (CONCOR) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bhavnagar Port Infrastructure (BPIPL) on September 4, 2025, in New Delhi to operate and maintain the upcoming container terminal at the northside of Bhavnagar Port, Gujarat.BPIPL had earlier entered into an agreement with the Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) in September 2024 for the port’s development. Under this arrangement, 235 hectares of land has been leased to BPIPL for 30 years, with provision for expansion by an additional 250 hectares.The new terminal is expected to significantly enhance logistic..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Concord Launches India’s First Indigenous Zero-Emission Rail Propulsion

Concord Control Systems (CCSL), a leader in embedded electronics and critical rail technologies, has announced the development of India’s first fully indigenous zero-emission propulsion system, marking a significant step toward the country’s railway electrification and net-zero goals for 2030.Powered by Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries and featuring a DC chopper-based drive, the propulsion system eliminates idling losses common in diesel engines, offering higher efficiency, lower costs, and zero emissions.What sets this innovation apart is its completely indigenous design. Except for..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?