New Delhi, Jan 7 (NationPress) India's highway systems are undergoing a significant transformation, shifting away from fossil fuel reliance to embracing bio-driven, regenerative, and circular economy models. Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, stated on Wednesday that roads developed using this innovative technology will be more cost-effective, possess an extended sustainable lifespan, and eliminate the risk of environmental pollution.

During the CSIR's ‘Technology Transfer’ ceremony, the minister remarked that this day marks a historical milestone.

He characterized the initiative as a ‘Whole-of-Science, Whole-of-Government, and Whole-of-Society’ endeavor, embodying the ‘Whole-of-Nation’ vision set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a ‘Viksit Bharat’.

Dr. Singh emphasized that advancements such as bio-bitumen exemplify how scientific research can directly contribute to national goals like cleanliness, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and economic self-sufficiency.

Highlighting the importance of communication and outreach, he stated that innovation must be conveyed in a way that enhances understanding and adoption among broader stakeholders.

Dr. Singh further pointed out that while each of CSIR’s 37 laboratories boasts impressive success stories, the past decade has been dedicated to making science accessible to citizens, industries, and states.

Addressing the waste-to-wealth strategy, he remarked that bio-bitumen tackles various challenges, from stubble management and environmental preservation to reducing import dependency.

He noted that India currently imports nearly 50% of its bitumen needs, and innovations like bio-bitumen can greatly decrease foreign reliance while bolstering domestic capabilities.

The event highlighted the industrial-scale transfer of bio-bitumen technology, derived from pyrolysis of agricultural waste. This process involves collecting post-harvest rice straw, palletizing, pyrolyzing to generate bio-oil, and subsequently blending it with traditional bitumen.

Laboratory validations have confirmed that 20–30% of conventional bitumen can be replaced safely without compromising performance.

Commending the CSIR team, the minister referred to the bio-bitumen innovation as a globally significant breakthrough, emphasizing the economic implications of substituting imported bitumen valued at Rs 25,000–Rs 30,000 crore annually while advocating for region-specific, resource-driven research.

N Kalaiselvi, Director General of CSIR and Secretary of DSIR, noted that India has become the first nation to scale bio-bitumen technology to industrial and commercial levels within the same year.

She elaborated that biomass pyrolysis generates multiple value streams, including bio-binders for roads, energy-efficient gaseous fuel, bio-pesticide fractions, and high-grade carbon suitable for batteries and advanced materials, rendering the process emission-free, cost-effective, and ready for the future. She also suggested policy-level integration of bio-bitumen to facilitate nationwide deployment.