Gadkari Inaugurates India’s First Bio-Bitumen Highway Stretch in Nagpur

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, has inaugurated India’s first bio-bitumen-based National Highway stretch on NH-44 in Mansar, Nagpur, Maharashtra. Developed using lignin-based bio-bitumen technology by Praj Industries in collaboration with CSIR-CRRI, NHAI, and Oriental, this marks a milestone in sustainable road construction.
The innovative use of lignin as a binder addresses bitumen scarcity, reducing India’s dependency on imports, which currently accounts for 50% of the supply. This development supports global sustainability goals by generating revenue for bio-refineries, reducing stubble burning, and cutting greenhouse gas emissions by over 70% compared to fossil-based bitumen.
Leveraging India’s abundant lignocellulosic biomass, the initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, promoting green technologies and self-reliance in industrial growth.