Construction of Roads using Plastic Wastes
Construction of Roads using Plastic Wastes
The length of roads constructed using waste plastic under various verticals of Pradhan Mantri Gram SadakYojana (PMGSY) during the last five years is given below:
Year
Length constructed using Waste plastic (in km)
2020-21
3133
2021-22
8848
2022-23
6382
2023-24
5241
2024-25
4061
2025-26 (Till 13.08.25)
2058
The State-wise/year-wise details of road length constructed using new technology (waste plastic) under various verticals of PMGSY may be accessed at http://omms.nic.in>proposals>technology abstract.
As on 31.7.25, a total of 56,875 km of road works has been sanctioned using waste plastic, under various interventions/ verticals of PMGSY, out of which 43,700 km of road works have been completed. The State-wise/year-wise details of road length constructed using new technology under various verticals of PMGSY may be accessed at http://omms.nic.in>proposals>technology abstract.
To promote adoption of new/ green Technology in the construction of rural roads using new materials/ waste materials/ locally available materials under PMGSY, the Ministry has issued “Vision Document on New Technology Initiatives Guidelines-2022”. As per the guidelines, States/ UTs have to compulsorily use waste plastic in at least 70% length out of the eligible proposed length involving the Hot Mix process in PMGSY roads. The type of plastics to be used in this process and the required size are regulated as per “Guidelines for the use of waste plastic in hot bituminous mixes (Dry process) in wearing courses” issued by the Indian Roads Congress (IRC).
This helps reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste by diverting it from landfills/ sea and using it productively. Also The Indian Road Congress (IRC) has issued guidelines, specifically IRC:SP:98-2013, for the use of waste plastic in hot bituminous mixes (dry process) in wearing courses. This document encourages the use of waste plastic in road construction to promote sustainable development and reduce plastic waste. Till July, 2025, 43,700 km of roads using waste plastic technology has been completed under PMGSY.
Waste plastic is being used in thin bituminous surfaces under the scheme. The performance evaluation of rural roads constructed with waste plastic was carried out by seven institutes under the supervision of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras. The study found that distresses such as ravelling, cracking, and potholes were significantly lower compared to conventional pavements. Pavement Condition Index (PCI) values for waste plastic roads were found higher, indicating better overall surface condition. The analysis further showed that the maintenance of these roads can generally be deferred by about one year and that there is a marginal reduction in overall life cycle cost compared to conventional roads.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Rural Development Shri Kamlesh Paswan in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
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