India has taken a major step towards sustainable and self-reliant infrastructure with the successful transfer of an indigenous bio-bitumen technology developed by the CSIR–Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI), New Delhi, and the CSIR–Indian Institute of Petroleum (CSIR-IIP), Dehradun. Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Vice-President of CSIR, Dr Jitendra Singh, said the development marks the beginning of an era of “Clean, Green Highways” in the country.
Addressing the Technology Transfer ceremony titled “Bio-Bitumen via Pyrolysis: From Farm Residue to Roads” in New Delhi, the Minister said India’s highways are now transitioning from fossil fuel dependence to bio-driven, regenerative and circular economy solutions. Roads built using the new technology, he said, would be more cost-effective, have a longer and more sustainable lifespan, and significantly reduce environmental pollution.
Singh described the initiative as a “Whole-of-Nation” effort, aligning scientific innovation with national priorities such as Atmanirbhar Bharat, cleanliness and economic self-reliance. He emphasised that technologies like bio-bitumen demonstrate how research can directly contribute to national missions, while also addressing challenges such as stubble management and import dependence.
Highlighting the economic impact, the Minister noted that India currently imports nearly half of its bitumen requirements. The adoption of indigenous bio-bitumen could potentially replace imports worth ₹25,000–30,000 crore annually, strengthening domestic capabilities and reducing foreign exchange outgo.
The bio-bitumen technology involves the collection of post-harvest rice straw, its palletisation, and conversion into bio-oil through pyrolysis, which is then blended with conventional bitumen. Extensive laboratory tests have shown that 20–30 per cent of conventional bitumen can be safely replaced without compromising performance. The technology has undergone rigorous physical, rheological, chemical and mechanical evaluations, including tests for rutting, cracking, moisture damage and resilient modulus.
Field-level feasibility has already been demonstrated through a 100-metre trial stretch laid on the Jorabat–Shillong Expressway (NH-40) in Meghalaya. A patent has been filed for the innovation, and several industries have been onboarded for commercial deployment.
Congratulating the CSIR teams, Singh termed the innovation a globally significant breakthrough and assured institutional support for integrating bio-bitumen into national highway standards. He also underlined the need for region-specific, resource-based research to accelerate adoption at scale.
Director General, CSIR and Secretary, DSIR, N Kalaiselvi, said the event marked a proud moment for Indian science, noting that India is the first country to take bio-bitumen technology to industrial and commercial scale within the same year. She highlighted that biomass pyrolysis generates multiple value streams, including bio-binders for roads, gaseous fuel, bio-pesticide fractions and high-grade carbon for advanced applications, making the process cost-effective and future-ready. She also suggested policy-level blending mandates to enable nationwide deployment.
The event was attended by senior scientists, industry partners and policymakers, underscoring strong collaboration between science, government and industry. The technology transfer reinforces India’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure, indigenous innovation and a bio-driven economic future, positioning the country firmly on the path towards clean, green and self-reliant highways.
(ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above release has been taken from DD News. No editors from The Mainstream were involved in creation of this content.)
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