Road Ministry to use plastic for NH construction

01 Nov 2019 Editorial Team

In fact, plastic waste has already been used in wearing courses of NH construction on a pilot basis in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The technology used is in compliance with the guidelines of Indian Roads Congress (IRC) for the use of waste plastic in hot bituminous mixes in wearing courses. Construction of 1 km of a four-lane highway can help dispose about 7 tonne of waste plastic.

On the preparation of the guidelines being used as a framework for the construction of the highways, SK Nirmal, Secretary-General, IRC, says, “IRC prepared ‘Guidelines for the Use of Waste Plastic in Hot Bituminous Mixes (Dry Process) in Wearing Courses (IRC:SP:98)’ in 2013. The document was an outcome of a number of successful pilot projects completed in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Delhi. The same was also corroborated in a MoRTH-sponsored research scheme (R-85). After the publication of the IRC document, many road projects using waste plastic have been completed under PMGSY. MoRTH had also issued ‘Guidelines for Use of Waste Plastic in Bituminous Wearing Courses’ within 50-km periphery of an urban area, having a population of more than 5 lakh. The document envisages the use of waste plastic at 6-8 per cent of the weight of the bitumen depending on the climatic conditions of high or low rainfall areas. This should address some of the problems of safe and meaningful disposal of waste plastic, which is otherwise a serious environmental problem.”

Additionally, the ministry has mobilised nearly 26,000 people across the country to spread awareness on plastic waste management. Over 61,000 hours of shramdaan have been given to collect plastic waste, resulting in the collection of nearly 18,000 kg of waste plastic throughout the country.

Under its ‘Swachhta Hi Sewa’ initiative, the Government of India has launched an awareness drive to curb the use of plastic by discouraging the use of plastic water bottles, installing dustbins for collection of segregated waste, and distributing cloth and jute bags.

The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MORTH) is encouraging the use of waste plastic in highway construction, especially on National Highways (NH) within a 50-km periphery of urban areas with a population of 0.5 million or more. A stretch of road has recently been constructed using waste plastic on NH-48 near Dhaula Kuan. Portions of the Delhi-Meerut expressway and Gurugram-Sohna road have also been planned for construction using plastic waste.In fact, plastic waste has already been used in wearing courses of NH construction on a pilot basis in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The technology used is in compliance with the guidelines of Indian Roads Congress (IRC) for the use of waste plastic in hot bituminous mixes in wearing courses. Construction of 1 km of a four-lane highway can help dispose about 7 tonne of waste plastic.On the preparation of the guidelines being used as a framework for the construction of the highways, SK Nirmal, Secretary-General, IRC, says, “IRC prepared ‘Guidelines for the Use of Waste Plastic in Hot Bituminous Mixes (Dry Process) in Wearing Courses (IRC:SP:98)’ in 2013. The document was an outcome of a number of successful pilot projects completed in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Delhi. The same was also corroborated in a MoRTH-sponsored research scheme (R-85). After the publication of the IRC document, many road projects using waste plastic have been completed under PMGSY. MoRTH had also issued ‘Guidelines for Use of Waste Plastic in Bituminous Wearing Courses’ within 50-km periphery of an urban area, having a population of more than 5 lakh. The document envisages the use of waste plastic at 6-8 per cent of the weight of the bitumen depending on the climatic conditions of high or low rainfall areas. This should address some of the problems of safe and meaningful disposal of waste plastic, which is otherwise a serious environmental problem.”Additionally, the ministry has mobilised nearly 26,000 people across the country to spread awareness on plastic waste management. Over 61,000 hours of shramdaan have been given to collect plastic waste, resulting in the collection of nearly 18,000 kg of waste plastic throughout the country.Under its ‘Swachhta Hi Sewa’ initiative, the Government of India has launched an awareness drive to curb the use of plastic by discouraging the use of plastic water bottles, installing dustbins for collection of segregated waste, and distributing cloth and jute bags.

Infrastructure Urban

07 Oct 2025

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..

Infrastructure Transport

07 Oct 2025

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..

Infrastructure Transport

07 Oct 2025

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..