Rajasthan's PWD uses plastic waste to build 15,000-km of roads

Rajasthan's Public Works Department (PWD) has taken a proactive approach to reduce pollution caused by plastic waste by using it to construct roads in the state. Over the last four years, the department has built more than 61,000 km of roads, with over 15,000 km being laid using plastic waste. Engineers highlight two key benefits of these plastic-infused roads - they help reduce pollution caused by plastic waste and have been proven to have a longer lifespan, with at least 10% more durability compared to regular roads.

The government's promotion of this practice, along with efforts to produce plastic waste within the state, is expected to increase its usage in road construction projects. Previously, the waste was imported from vendors outside the state, but with initiatives to produce it locally, the usage of "made in Rajasthan" plastic waste is likely to rise.

Several firms and NGOs in the state have already started producing plastic waste for road construction. The waste has been utilized in all types of roads built by the PWD, including other district roads, major district roads, and state highways. Even roads under the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) have been constructed using plastic waste.

While the positive results of this initiative are yet to be fully established due to the short time period of its implementation, positive outcomes have been witnessed in other regions, such as Madhya Pradesh. The state remains optimistic that this eco-friendly approach will contribute to decreasing pollution and enhancing road infrastructure in Rajasthan.