New Delhi: In a significant move towards sustainable infrastructure development, Dr. V.K. Saraswat, Member (Science) of Niti Aayog, released new guidelines for the utilization of steel slag in road construction. This announcement was made at the First International Conference on Steel Slag Road, jointly organized by CSIR-CRRI and PHDCCI in New Delhi.
The guidelines advocate for the processed use of steel slag aggregates in road construction, tapping into the waste from steel industries to foster environmental sustainability. According to Dr. Saraswat, the implementation of these guidelines is expected to yield substantial benefits, including cost savings, reduced environmental impact, and enhanced performance of roads.
Highlighting the critical role of this initiative, Dr. Saraswat said, “Adopting these guidelines for construction and maintenance of road network using steel slag is expected to bring numerous benefits, including cost saving, reduced environmental impact, and improved road performance.” He linked the initiative to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Waste to Wealth” vision, noting significant contributions by Dr. Manoranjan Parida, Director of CRRI, and Shri Satish Pandey, Principal Scientist.
Shri Nagendra Nath Sinha, Secretary to the Government of India, Ministry of Steel, emphasized the research and development efforts leading to these guidelines. He noted, “The Ministry of Steel sponsored a major R&D project to CSIR-Central Road Research Institute to facilitate large-scale utilization of steel slag as a substitute for natural aggregates in road construction.”
The guidelines also detail a framework for the safe handling and storage of steel slag to prevent environmental contamination, reflecting a comprehensive approach to sustainable construction practices.
Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Secretary, DSIR and DG, CSIR, also supported the initiative, mentioning the Steel Slag Road between Mumbai and Goa as a landmark project underlining the efficacy and potential of this technology.
The conference also saw participation from industry leaders who discussed the broader applications and environmental benefits of using steel slag in road construction. Mr. Ranjan Dhar of ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India highlighted the success of India’s First Steel Slag Road at Hazira, Surat, which used 100 thousand tonnes of processed steel slag and has received national and international recognition for its innovative approach.
