Plastic Waste Used to Build Roads in Hubballi-Dharwad
ROADS & HIGHWAYS

Plastic Waste Used to Build Roads in Hubballi-Dharwad

In a notable step towards sustainability, the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) has shown that single-use plastic waste—often considered a severe environmental threat—can be converted into a valuable resource for infrastructure development.

Under an innovative pilot project, plastic waste is being used in the construction of asphalt roads in Lingarajnagar, Hubballi. By merging waste management with infrastructure planning, HDMC is transforming discarded plastic into a sustainable solution that benefits both the urban landscape and the environment.

The process begins with daily household waste collection by HDMC. Once transported to the compactor station, plastic suitable for construction use is segregated, shredded using specialised machinery, and sent to the asphalt mixing plant.

At the facility, the plastic is combined with gravel and tar. Roughly 8 per cent of the bitumen normally used in the mixture is replaced with shredded plastic. This not only enhances the durability of the roads but also improves resistance to water damage, surface wear, and potholes.

Beyond environmental gains, these plastic-reinforced roads prove to be economical—saving up to Rs 1.5 million per kilometre compared to conventional asphalt roads.

HDMC’s Commissioner confirmed that the civic body plans to incorporate plastic waste in all future road projects. “By repurposing plastic waste for road construction, we are reducing pollution while improving the quality and resilience of our roads,” he stated.

“Hubballi-Dharwad is setting an example—turning hazardous plastic into a resource for a more sustainable and forward-looking city,” he added.


In a notable step towards sustainability, the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) has shown that single-use plastic waste—often considered a severe environmental threat—can be converted into a valuable resource for infrastructure development.Under an innovative pilot project, plastic waste is being used in the construction of asphalt roads in Lingarajnagar, Hubballi. By merging waste management with infrastructure planning, HDMC is transforming discarded plastic into a sustainable solution that benefits both the urban landscape and the environment.The process begins with daily household waste collection by HDMC. Once transported to the compactor station, plastic suitable for construction use is segregated, shredded using specialised machinery, and sent to the asphalt mixing plant.At the facility, the plastic is combined with gravel and tar. Roughly 8 per cent of the bitumen normally used in the mixture is replaced with shredded plastic. This not only enhances the durability of the roads but also improves resistance to water damage, surface wear, and potholes.Beyond environmental gains, these plastic-reinforced roads prove to be economical—saving up to Rs 1.5 million per kilometre compared to conventional asphalt roads.HDMC’s Commissioner confirmed that the civic body plans to incorporate plastic waste in all future road projects. “By repurposing plastic waste for road construction, we are reducing pollution while improving the quality and resilience of our roads,” he stated.“Hubballi-Dharwad is setting an example—turning hazardous plastic into a resource for a more sustainable and forward-looking city,” he added.

Next Story
Technology

We’re building robots that flow, not just move

Founded in 2021, Flo Mobility is reimagining construction automation with vision-AI robots designed for seamless movement through complex sites. In conversation with CW, Manesh Jain, Founder & CEO, discusses the company’s origin, its LiDAR-free tech stack, and expansion plans in the Middle East and US.What inspired the name Flo Mobility? Why ‘Flo’ and not ‘Flow’?When we started the company in 2021, our focus was on building autonomous navigation systems for robots. Since our work centred around robot movement, ‘mobility’ naturally became part of the name. We wanted to co..

Next Story
Real Estate

We’re committed to setting benchmarks in sustainable luxury living

From a landmark land acquisition in Boisar to ambitious launches across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), National Capital Region (NCR), Bengaluru and Pune, Birla Estates is driving future-ready growth with a strong focus on sustainability, partnerships and premium living, firmly anchored in its LifeDesigned® philosophy. K T Jithendran, Managing Director & CEO, outlines the company’s premium, sustainable growth playbook in conversation with PRATAP PADODE, Editor-in-Chief, CW. Excerpts:Birla Estates recently acquired a 70.92-acre land parcel in Boisar, Maharashtra, for..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Mumbai’s land crunch and ageing homes call for structured renewal

Founded in 2022, Etonhurst Capital Partners is a real-estate fund management platform focused on the Indian market. As the firm achieves the first close of Rs 1.8 billion for its debut Rs 5 billion fund, Bamasish Paul, Co-founder, Managing Partner & CEO, discusses its sharp focus on redevelopment-driven value creation in Mumbai’s urban core with CW. Excerpts:Etonhurst Capital has achieved a significant milestone with the first close of Rs 1.8 billion for its Rs 5 billion fund. What factors contributed to this early success and how do you plan to attract further investments to r..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?