The North News
New Delhi, January 7
India has become the first country to commercially produce bio-bitumen, a road construction material derived from agricultural waste, in a move the government says could cut pollution, reduce oil imports and boost rural incomes. Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said the innovation marked a “transformative step” towards the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047, linking environmental protection with economic growth.
Speaking at the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) technology transfer ceremony titled From Farm Residue to Road: Bio-Bitumen via Pyrolysis, Gadkari said the use of crop residue for road construction would help curb air pollution caused by stubble burning while strengthening the circular economy. He said that blending bio-bitumen at 15% could save India nearly ₹4,500 crore in foreign exchange and significantly reduce dependence on imported crude oil.
Gadkari congratulated scientists from Council of Scientific and Industrial Research for developing the technology, and acknowledged the support of Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh in taking the project forward. The minister said the innovation had the potential to empower farmers by creating new markets for agricultural waste, generating rural employment and strengthening the village economy.
He added that bio-bitumen reflected the Modi government’s focus on sustainable development, self-reliance and environmentally responsible infrastructure, and could play a key role in building cleaner and greener transport networks across the country.
