CSIR-CRRI, Jindal Steel Set Guinness World Record for World’s Longest Steel Slag Road in Raigarh
The achievement demonstrates India’s leadership in transforming industrial waste into high-value construction materials, reducing dependence on natural aggregates, and promoting circular economy principles in road infrastructure.
Speaking on the occasion, the Hon’ble Minister of Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singhji, highlighted that India’s indigenous steel slag road technology is setting a global benchmark for sustainable and innovative infrastructure development. The Minister noted that technologies developed through institutions such as CSIR-CRRI can play an important role in advancing the vision of a Viksit Bharat by promoting resource efficiency, innovation and environmentally responsible infrastructure. He appreciated the efforts of CSIR-CRRI, Jindal Steel, and the entire project team for translating scientific research into a field-scale infrastructure application.
The landmark project reflects the pioneering research and technological leadership of CSIR-CRRI, under the guidance of Sh. Satish Pandey, Scientist F and Inventor of Steel Slag Road Technology, in collaboration with Jindal Steel.The record recognizes a 1.85-kilometer, four-lane divided carriageway connecting NH-49 to the Jindal Steel plant at Raigarh, Chhattisgarh. Approximately 200,000 tonnes processed steel slag aggregates were used in the construction of this road, replacing conventional natural aggregates.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Naveen Jindal, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Chairman, Jindal Steel and President, Indian Steel Association, said that India’s infrastructure must become “stronger, smarter and environmentally responsible.” He highlighted that the Raigarh steel plant has a legacy stockpile of waste steel slag, which has now been transformed, into processed steel slag aggregates through scientific research, engineering and rigorous quality standards in collaboration with CSIR-CRRI, for road construction.
Calling for wider adoption of the technology, Shri Jindal appealed for a national framework to actively promote utilization of processed steel slag aggregates in National Highways, State Highways, industrial corridors and rural roads. He described Steel Grit as an indigenous, sustainable and scientifically validated material for modern infrastructure.
Dr. V.K. Saraswat, Former Member, NITI Aayog and Former Director General, DRDO, in his address, highlighted the significance of technological innovation in converting industrial waste into useful infrastructure materials. He emphasised the need for wider adoption of scientifically validated indigenous technologies and closer collaboration between research institutions and industry for developing sustainable solutions at scale.
Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Secretary, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) and Director General, CSIR, highlighted the role of CSIR laboratories in translating scientific knowledge into technologies addressing societal and industrial needs. She appreciated the collaborative efforts of CSIR-CRRI and Jindal Steel in demonstrating the practical utilisation of processed steel slag for road construction and emphasised the importance of taking successful laboratory and pilot-scale innovations to field-scale deployment.
She noted that such initiatives strengthen the interface between science, industry and infrastructure development and contribute towards a circular economy by promoting the productive utilisation of industrial by-products.
Dr. Ch. Ravi Sekhar, Director, CSIR-CRRI, in his address, congratulated the CSIR-CRRI project team and Shri Naveen Jindal, Hon’ble Member of Parliament and Chairman, Jindal Steel, and his team for making the Guinness World Record possible. He described the achievement as a leap into sustainable road construction, with waste steel slag transformed into high-quality road aggregates through an innovative, scientifically validated process, a true example of turning waste into wealth. He expressed confidence that the technology transfer agreement signed on the occasion would pave the way for wider adoption of the technology across the country.
Shri Satish Pandey, Head, Flexible Pavement Division, CSIR-CRRI, presented the journey of the World’s Longest Steel Slag Road and highlighted the scientific research, processing methodology, engineering evaluation and field demonstration undertaken for the utilization of processed steel slag aggregates for road construction.
The event also featured the virtual inauguration of the World's Longest Steel Slag Road at Raigarh, Chhattisgarh state, followed by the release of a scientific documentary. The event also marked the signing of a Technology Transfer Agreement between CSIR-CRRI and Jindal Steel for scientific valorization of waste steel slag as processed steel slag aggregates.
The program further witnessed the launch of the processed steel slag aggregates brand “Steel Grit” for durable green infrastructure development in the country. followed by appreciation and recognition of members of the project team from CSIR-CRRI, Jindal Steel and Jindal Cement.
The initiative reflects the growing importance of science-led circular economy solutions for India's infrastructure sector. The utilization of processed steel slag in roads can reduce dependence on naturally quarried aggregates, promote industrial waste utilization and support the development of more resource-efficient infrastructure. The achievement also demonstrates the value of sustained collaboration between CSIR-CRRI and industry in taking indigenous technologies from scientific research and engineering validation to large-scale field implementation.
The achievement of the Guinness World Record marks a significant milestone in India's journey towards resource-efficient, sustainable and circular infrastructure, and reinforces the vision of transforming industrial by-products into valuable resources for nation-building.
Published on:
14 September 2026
Share:
We Value Your Comment
