Praj Industries, India’s leading industrial biotech company, has inaugurated the country’s first sustainable road made with lignin-based bio-bitumen. The road, inaugurated by Shri Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways, is part of the Nagpur-Mansar Bypass project on NH 44.
Praj’s innovative technology converts crude lignin into bio-bitumen, partially replacing fossil-derived bitumen. This eco-friendly solution significantly reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by up to 70% compared to conventional bitumen. The road construction uses up to 15% bio-bitumen, marking a crucial step toward sustainable infrastructure in India.
In collaboration with CSIR-CRRI, Praj tested the bio-bitumen for performance, successfully blending it into road construction. A test road in Halol, Gujarat, showed excellent results after 2.5 years and three monsoon seasons, with no signs of distress.
This advancement in road construction technology can save India ₹4,000–4,500 crore in foreign exchange and support a greener future for the country’s infrastructure development.