NHAI Plans to Use Municipal Waste for Road Construction by 2027

Context

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari announced that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) aims to utilise all municipal waste generated in the country for road construction by 2027.

The initiative reflects the government’s focus on sustainable infrastructure and circular economy practices.

Key Highlights

• Target Year: By 2027, all municipal waste produced across India will be used for road construction projects.
• Current Utilisation: Around 80 lakh tonnes of municipal waste are already being used in road construction.
• Project Examples:
  • Ahmedabad–Pune Highway – 25 lakh tonnes of waste used.
  • Mumbai–Delhi Expressway – 40 lakh tonnes of waste utilised.
• The ministry is also experimenting with bio-bitumen derived from livestock waste, certified by the Central Research Organisation to perform better than petroleum-based bitumen.
• Research initiatives are ongoing to derive hydrogen and biofuels from waste materials, highlighting a shift towards sustainable and renewable sources in the transport sector.
• The Minister urged engineering graduates to focus on innovation and entrepreneurship, promoting a mindset of job creation over job seeking.

Significance

• Promotes sustainable road construction through waste-to-wealth conversion.
• Helps address the urban waste management crisis by utilising non-recyclable waste in infrastructure projects.
• Reduces dependence on traditional bitumen, lowering import costs and environmental impact.
• Supports the Swachh Bharat Mission and Circular Economy objectives under India’s environmental policy framework.
• Encourages research and innovation in green engineering and clean energy
  
  Updated - October 14, 2025 9:55 AM | News On Air