INDIA’S FIRST BIO-BITUMEN HIGHWAY

PRELIMS – INFRASTRUCTURE 

1. India’s First Bio-Bitumen Highway Stretch
   • Location: NH-44, Mansar, Nagpur, Maharashtra.
   • Technology: Lignin-based bio-bitumen.
   • Collaborators: Praj Industries, CSIR-CRRI, NHAI, Oriental.
2. What is Bio-Bitumen?
   • A sustainable alternative to traditional bitumen.
   • Derived from lignin, a natural polymer in plant cell walls.
   • Offers similar properties to conventional bitumen with lower environmental impact.
3. Importance of Lignin
   • Found abundantly in agricultural waste.
   • Renewable resource.
   • Reduces dependency on imported traditional bitumen (India imports 50% of its supply).
   • Promotes local production and addresses shortages.
4. Environmental Benefits
   • Cuts greenhouse gas emissions by at least 70% compared to fossil-based bitumen.
   • Helps reduce stubble burning, a significant source of air pollution.
5. Alignment with Aatmanirbhar Bharat
   • Supports self-reliance and domestic production.
   • Generates revenue for bio-refineries.
   • Contributes to sustainable development and economic growth.
6. CNG Production from Biomass
   • Announced by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari.
   • 400 projects planned; 40 already completed.
   • Utilized 60 lakh tonnes of stubble for CNG production.
   • Reduces pollution from stubble burning.
7. Transforming Farmers’ Role
   • Farmers shift from food producers to energy and resource providers.
   • Agricultural waste is converted into bio-bitumen, supporting sustainability.

Additional Notes:

• Bio-Bitumen: Sustainable, lignin-derived alternative to traditional bitumen, promoting local production and reducing imports.
• Lignin: Renewable polymer abundant in agricultural waste; addresses bitumen shortages.
• Aatmanirbhar Bharat: Initiative promoting self-reliance, local production, and sustainable economic growth.
• CNG from Biomass: Clean fuel derived from agricultural waste, reducing pollution and supporting sustainable energy.