Transforming Roads: The Green Impact of Plastic Waste

Over 43,700 km of rural roads in India have been constructed using waste plastic under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana. This initiative aims to mitigate environmental impact by repurposing plastic waste. Studies reveal enhanced durability and lower maintenance for roads made with plastic compared to conventional methods.

The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) has championed the use of waste plastic, laying over 43,700 kilometers of rural roads with such materials, Minister Kamlesh Paswan revealed to the Lok Sabha. This initiative aligns with the ministry's 2022 guidelines promoting green technology in infrastructure.

States and Union Territories are mandated to implement waste plastic in at least 70% of proposed road projects, according to these guidelines. By July 31, 56,875 km of road work had been sanctioned for plastic use, with 43,700 km completed.

The revised processes involve specific guidelines by the Indian Roads Congress for integrating plastics into the hot mix, mitigating environmental impact while enhancing road quality and reducing maintenance costs, as highlighted by studies from IIT-Madras.

(With inputs from agencies.)