India is set to revolutionize its road construction with the introduction of steel slag, a by-product of steel manufacturing, in a bid to enhance sustainability in infrastructure development. The new guidelines for this initiative were unveiled by Dr. V.K. Saraswat, Member (Science) of Niti Aayog, at the First International Conference on Steel Slag Road in New Delhi, organized by CSIR-CRRI and PHDCCI.

The guidelines advocate the use of processed steel slag aggregates in road construction, transforming industrial waste into a valuable resource. This approach aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Waste to Wealth' vision, promoting environmental sustainability and resource efficiency.

Dr. Saraswat highlighted the potential benefits, stating, "Adopting these guidelines for road construction and maintenance using steel slag is expected to bring numerous advantages, including cost savings, reduced environmental impact, and improved road performance". He credited Dr. Manoranjan Parida, Director of CSIR-CRRI, and Shri Satish Pandey, Principal Scientist, for their significant contributions to this initiative.

Shri Nagendra Nath Sinha, Secretary, Ministry of Steel, underscored the extensive research and development efforts underpinning the guidelines. "The Ministry of Steel sponsored a major R&D project at CSIR-Central Road Research Institute to facilitate the large-scale use of steel slag as a substitute for natural aggregates in road construction," he noted. This project marks a pivotal step in integrating steel slag into mainstream road-building practices.

The guidelines provide a detailed framework for the safe handling and storage of steel slag, ensuring environmental protection and adherence to sustainable construction standards. Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Secretary, DSIR, and DG, CSIR, highlighted the Steel Slag Road between Mumbai and Goa as a landmark project demonstrating the technology's effectiveness and potential.

Industry leaders attending the conference emphasized the broader applications and environmental benefits of using steel slag in road construction. Mr. Ranjan Dhar of ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India cited the successful implementation of India's First Steel Slag Road at Hazira, Surat, which utilized 100 thousand tonnes of processed steel slag. This project has gained national and international recognition for its innovative approach to sustainable infrastructure.

The introduction of steel slag in road construction represents a significant advancement in India’s infrastructure development strategy. By repurposing industrial waste, the country aims to enhance road durability, reduce costs, and minimize the environmental footprint of construction activities. This initiative reflects a growing commitment to sustainable practices and resource conservation, paving the way for a more resilient and eco-friendly infrastructure network.