Planning your next road trip around Mumbai? Make sure to take a drive on NH-66, India's first Steel Slag Road. This highway, linking Mumbai to Goa, marks a monumental shift towards sustainable infrastructure! Engineered by CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI), this pioneering technology transforms steel industry waste into the backbone of eco-conscious highways nationwide.

The steel slag road technology, meticulously crafted by CSIR-CRRI, epitomises efficiency and eco-consciousness. Utilising processed steel slag aggregates, this method not only enhances road durability but also slashes construction costs by a remarkable 32%. JSW Steel, in collaboration with CSIR-CRRI, has spearheaded the implementation of this technology on the Indapur-Panvel section of NH-66, utilising 80,000 tons of CONARC Steel slag.

G S Rathore, COO of JSW Steel Ltd, commended the collaborative efforts that made this feat possible. The support from NHAI, coupled with CSIR-CRRI's expertise, has paved the way for a transformative approach to national highway construction. Dr. Manoranjan Parida, Director of CSIR-CRRI, revealed ongoing efforts to standardise steel slag utilisation guidelines, fostering sustainable infrastructure practices nationwide.

This initiative not only addresses India's burgeoning steel slag production, forecasted to reach 60 million tons by 2030 but also tackles environmental concerns associated with slag disposal. By repurposing steel slag into road construction material, India not only mitigates pollution risks but also propels infrastructure development towards a greener future.

The success of the NH-66 Steel Slag Road underscores India's potential to lead in sustainable infrastructure solutions. As the country seeks to manage waste while advancing infrastructure, the steel slag road technology emerges as a fusion of environmental stewardship and engineering excellence shaping the nation's roadways towards a more sustainable tomorrow.