The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, under the leadership of Nitin Gadkari, has taken a significant step towards promoting sustainability in India’s infrastructure sector. The Minister announced that his Ministry has released Policy guidelines or standards for utilizing eco-friendly materials in the construction of National Highways.
In his written response to the Rajya Sabha, Mr. Gadkari highlighted the use of eco-friendly materials such as fly ash, iron and steel slag, construction and demolition waste, recycled asphalt pavement, geo-synthetics, waste plastic, emulsion based cold mix and warm mix asphalt in the construction of National Highways. He explained that these waste materials are being utilized to reduce the cost of construction, conserve the country’s natural resources, and promote sustainability.
The adoption of eco-friendly materials in infrastructure development is a crucial step towards achieving the goal of a sustainable future. The Ministry’s move to implement these standards in the construction of National Highways is a commendable effort.
The use of fly ash, for instance, has the potential to reduce the demand for cement, thus reducing carbon emissions in the manufacturing of cement. Similarly, using recycled asphalt pavement can reduce the consumption of virgin aggregates, reducing the strain on natural resources.
Furthermore, the use of waste plastic in road construction is a promising solution to the plastic waste problem. By utilizing plastic waste, the Ministry is promoting a circular economy, where waste materials are used as a resource.
The adoption of these eco-friendly materials is not only environmentally responsible but also economically viable. The use of such waste materials reduces the cost of construction, making infrastructure development more affordable. It also helps to conserve natural resources, which can be used in other sectors for sustainable development.
Nitin Gadkari’s Ministry has taken a significant step towards sustainable infrastructure development with the release of Policy guidelines or standards for utilizing eco-friendly materials in the construction of National Highways. This move will not only reduce the cost of construction but also promote sustainability, which is crucial for a sustainable future.
