GREEN HIGHWAYS AND SUSTAINABLE ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE

GREEN HIGHWAYS AND SUSTAINABLE ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE

In accordance with the Green Highways (Plantation, Transplantation, Beautification and Maintenance) Policy, 2015 and Indian Road Congress (IRC): SP: 21-2009, plantation activities are undertaken along the available Right of Way and medians of National Highways, wherever feasible, with emphasis on native species having high survival rate and carbon absorption capacity.

Concerned agencies are continuously promoting and adopting the use of recycled materials, waste products, and environment friendly technologies in the construction and maintenance of National Highway projects.

Various sustainable and recycled materials, such as fly ash in embankment and structural works, Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) in bituminous layers, and Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste are utilized and used in suitable road works as per technical specifications in Highways projects.

The use of plastic waste in bituminous mixes, natural geo-textiles in addition to other sustainable materials including slag, crumb rubber, and other recycled or industrial by-products are being promoted as per feasibility and guidelines to improve pavement performance for addressing environmental concerns.

These initiatives contribute significantly to India’s climate goals by promoting resource efficiency, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and minimizing environmental degradation associated with highway construction and thus, supporting the principles of circular economy.

This information was given by the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Jairam Gadkari Ji in written reply to the Rajya Sabha.

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