According to an ET report, the success of this pilot study could pave the way for commercialization and transfer of the technology to private entities or public sector enterprises for mass production of bio-bitumen, which will be utilized in the construction of national highways.
At present, India imports approximately half of its annual bitumen requirement. The government aims to replace imports of bitumen with bio-bitumen over the next decade, a senior government official said.
What Is Bitumen?
“Based on the success of the pilot study, we hope to kick-start production of bio-bitumen on a large scale by the end of 2025,” the official added. This initiative is expected to result in significant foreign exchange savings, make India self-sufficient in bio-bitumen production, and provide a solution to the persistent problem of stubble burning.
Road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari is closely monitoring the progress of this project, which is funded by his ministry, the report said.
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The government is focusing on various alternatives for road construction, including recycled waste material and molasses. India’s bitumen consumption has increased significantly in recent years, with the average annual consumption in the last five financial years reaching 7.7 million tonnes, up from 5.94 million tonnes between 2014-15 and 2018-19.
In the last fiscal year, India imported 3.21 million tonnes of bitumen worth Rs 11,033 crore, while its indigenous bitumen production stood at 5.24 million tonnes.
