Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, recently inaugurated a 1 km stretch of Asia’s first highway with a bio-bitumen blended surface. This stretch, located near the ‘Kamptee 22Km’ milestone on the Jabalpur-Nagpur route, marks a significant step in reducing pollution and promoting sustainable road construction.
Environmental Benefits of Bio-Bitumen
Bio-bitumen is derived from crop stubble, which is a byproduct of farming. This innovation aims to address the environmental issue of stubble burning, which contributes to air pollution. Instead of burning the stubble, farmers can sell it to produce bio-bitumen, thus providing an alternative revenue stream. Gadkari expressed hope that if the technology becomes widespread, it could dramatically reduce air pollution.
Economic Impact of Bio-Bitumen
The use of bio-bitumen is expected to reduce the cost of road construction by 15%. Additionally, it could reduce India’s reliance on petroleum-based bitumen, with projections suggesting savings of at least Rs 4,500 crore in imports. The bio-bitumen also contains 10% rubber powder, further decreasing the need for petroleum-based materials.
Testing and Future Prospects
While the project is still in its early stages, its success is expected to be evaluated over the next two years. The Central Road Research Institute (CRRI) will monitor the road’s ability to withstand heavy traffic and varying weather conditions. If the road does not deflect beyond 0.4mm during this period, the bio-bitumen will pass the endurance test. A report will be submitted by CRRI, which will help shape future policies regarding the purchase of lignin for bio-bitumen production.
The Bio-Bitumen Production Process
The bio-bitumen is produced by Praj Industries, a private sector industrial biotech company, in collaboration with CRRI. The process involves using lignin, a byproduct of ethanol and compressed biogas (CBG) production from crop stubble. The bio-bitumen is blended with conventional bitumen, with up to 15% bio-bitumen content. The Jabalpur highway project follows a successful trial in Gujarat, where bio-bitumen was used on a service road, with results showing it was 40% stronger than conventional bitumen.
The Role of CBG Projects
As part of the broader initiative, around 400 CBG projects are being established across India. These projects will generate demand for biomass, including crop residue, which will be used to produce bio-bitumen. The byproduct, lignin, will be further processed into bio-bitumen, creating a circular economy that benefits both the environment and the economy.
Economic and Industrial Impact
India currently imports Rs 50,000 crore worth of bitumen annually, out of a total market size of Rs 90,000 crore. By producing bitumen from lignin, India can reduce its import dependency and lower costs by Rs 8 per kg. Additionally, the use of rubber powder in the bio-bitumen will support the rubber industry.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
1. What is the primary environmental benefit of bio-bitumen?
a) Reduces road construction costs
b) Helps reduce pollution from stubble burning
c) Increases the strength of roads
d) Reduces the demand for rubber powder
Answer: b) Helps reduce pollution from stubble burning
2. How much of bio-bitumen is blended with conventional bitumen in the Jabalpur highway project?
a) 10%
b) 15%
c) 20%
d) 25%
Answer: b) 15%
3. Which organization is monitoring the bio-bitumen road’s endurance?
a) Praj Industries
b) Central Road Research Institute (CRRI)
c) Ministry of Environment
d) National Highway Authority of India
Answer: b) Central Road Research Institute (CRRI)
4. What byproduct is used to create bio-bitumen?
a) Rice straw
b) Lignin
c) Rubber powder
d) Crop residue
Answer: b) Lignin
5. What is the expected cost-saving from using bio-bitumen in road construction?
a) Rs 1,000 crore
b) Rs 4,500 crore
c) Rs 8/kg
d) Rs 50,000 crore
Answer: b) Rs 4,500 crore