Innovative Solution: Plastic for Road Construction in India



Plastic waste has become a pressing global concern, with a staggering amount ending up in landfills or polluting the environment. Recognizing the urgency of finding sustainable solutions, the use of plastic in road construction has emerged as a promising alternative. In 2015, the Indian government issued guidelines for utilizing plastic waste in the construction of national highways, paving the way for innovative practices.

Plastic consumption in India is substantial, resulting in a significant amount of waste. A June 2018 report revealed that India consumes approximately 16.5 million tonnes of plastic, with 43% being single-use plastic used for packaging. Sadly, nearly 80% of the total plastic produced in India is discarded, contributing to air pollution, landfills, and drainage blockages. The negative impact on wildlife and agricultural fields further emphasizes the need for effective waste management strategies.

Use of Plastics for Road Construction: Background

The concept of using plastics in road construction dates back to 2001 when R. Vasudevan, also known as the “plastic man of India,” and his team at the Centre for Studies on Solid Waste Management began researching its feasibility. Through their experiments, they successfully mixed waste plastic with heated bitumen and coated the mixture over stones, leading to the implementation of plastic waste in a road within the premises of Thiagarajar College of Engineering in 2002. The technology received a patent in 2006, and subsequent evaluations by the Central Pollution Control Board demonstrated the durability of plastic roads, showing no familiar defects even after four years of use.

Benefits of using Plastics for Roads

Aside from the environmental sustainability aspect, roads constructed with plastic exhibit greater durability and cost-effectiveness. The bonding properties of plastic and bitumen, both petroleum products, enhance the road’s strength and longevity. Plastic roads demonstrate improved resistance to damage caused by heavy rains and prevent water seepage, reducing issues like stripping and potholes. Additionally, these roads do not crack or melt easily, resulting in reduced maintenance costs. Moreover, plastic-modified roads can withstand increased loads and are not subject to leaching or the harmful effects of UV radiation.

Economics of Use of Plastics for Construction in Roads

Economically, the modification of bitumen with shredded waste plastic incurs a marginal increase in cost, approximately Rs. 2500 per tonne. However, this additional cost is offset by the reduced overall bitumen content and enhanced performance, resulting in a better environmental outcome through the utilization of plastic waste.

Present Status of use of Plastics for Roads:

Since 2015, the adoption of plastic in road construction has gained momentum. The Indian government issued guidelines for the use of plastic waste in bitumen mixes for urban roadways, and several states have taken significant strides in implementing plastic road projects. Cities like Chennai, Pune, Surat, and Indore have become pioneers in this sustainable approach.

In India, for example, over 33,000 kilometers of roads have been built using plastic waste. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has also mandated the use of waste plastic in periodic renewal and service roads within a 50-kilometer radius of urban areas with populations exceeding five lakhs.

The integration of plastic in road construction represents a crucial step toward addressing the plastic waste crisis in India. By adopting innovative practices, utilizing waste materials, and creating durable infrastructure, the country is not only reducing the environmental impact but also building a more sustainable future. With ongoing efforts and increasing awareness, the journey towards a plastic-free environment and robust road network continues.

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Dr. Kirti Sisodhia

Content Writer

CATEGORIES Business Agriculture Technology Environment Health Education

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