Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday underscored the potential of agricultural waste to be transformed into a valuable national resource, describing bio-bitumen as a transformative step towards achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. He said the innovation would not only strengthen India’s road infrastructure but also promote sustainable and environmentally responsible growth.
Speaking at CSIR’s Technology Transfer Ceremony titled “From Farm Residue to Road: Bio-Bitumen via Pyrolysis”, Gadkari said the occasion marked a historic milestone, with India becoming the first country in the world to commercially produce bio-bitumen. He congratulated the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and its scientists for the breakthrough and acknowledged the support of Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh in advancing the initiative.
The Union Minister noted that by utilising agricultural residue, bio-bitumen addresses the problem of crop stubble burning, thereby reducing pollution while strengthening the circular economy. He said that with a 15 per cent blending of bio-bitumen, India could save nearly ₹4,500 crore in foreign exchange and significantly reduce its dependence on imported crude oil.
Highlighting the wider socio-economic impact, Gadkari said the technology would empower farmers, create rural livelihoods and boost the rural economy by providing value to agricultural waste that is otherwise discarded or burnt. He added that the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to self-reliance and sustainable development.
Describing bio-bitumen as a symbol of innovation aligned with national priorities, the Union Minister said such indigenous technologies pave the way for a cleaner and greener future while strengthening India’s infrastructure. He reiterated that sustainable solutions rooted in local resources are essential for building resilient and future-ready highways as the country moves towards the goals of Viksit Bharat 2047.
