New Delhi: Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said India has taken a major step towards sustainable infrastructure by becoming the world’s first country to commercially produce bio-bitumen from agricultural waste.
Speaking at CSIR’s technology transfer ceremony titled “From Farm Residue to Road: Bio-Bitumen via Pyrolysis,” Gadkari highlighted the potential of agro-waste to emerge as a valuable national resource.
He said the use of bio-bitumen aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, as it helps curb pollution caused by crop burning while strengthening the circular economy.
According to him, a 15 per cent blending of bio-bitumen could help India save nearly Rs 4,500 crore in foreign exchange and significantly cut its dependence on imported crude oil.
Gadkari congratulated CSIR scientists for the breakthrough and acknowledged the support of Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh.
He added that the innovation would empower farmers, create rural livelihoods, and boost the rural economy, reflecting the government’s commitment to sustainable and self-reliant growth.
