Jindal Steel Limited has achieved a Guinness World Records title for constructing the world's longest road built exclusively with processed steel slag aggregates. According to a company statement, the achievement was made in collaboration with CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI) at Raigarh in Chhattisgarh. The project demonstrates the transformation of industrial waste into valuable construction materials, showcasing the potential of indigenous technology for sustainable infrastructure development.
The road construction utilized approximately 200,000 tonnes of processed EAF steel slag to build a 1.85-km four-lane divided road, equivalent to 7.4 lane-km, designed for heavy commercial traffic with a loading of 65 million standard axle repetitions. As reported by the company, this innovative approach addresses environmental concerns while providing significant cost benefits. The pavement is approximately 35% thinner than conventional roads, with estimated construction cost savings of up to 40%. Steel slag roads offer 30 to 40 per cent cost-effectiveness compared to traditional construction materials and can last up to three times longer than standard bitumen roads, reducing long-term maintenance requirements.
Naveen Jindal, Chairman of Jindal Steel Limited, emphasized the significance of this achievement, stating that it demonstrates how science, technology and industry can transform industrial co-products into valuable resources for nation-building. According to the company statement, Jindal, who also serves as President of the Indian Steel Association (ISA), highlighted that India's growth must be powered by innovation that creates economic value while protecting the environment. He noted that waste-to-wealth is a focus area of the government to support the circular economy.
Jitendra Singh, Minister of Science & Technology, Government of India, praised the project as a strong demonstration of India's ability to translate scientific innovation into practical infrastructure solutions. As reported by the company, the minister noted that by transforming steel slag into a high-value resource for road construction, the project showcases the potential of indigenous technology to address real-world challenges. The minister expressed confidence that this technology will find wider application across the country, reflecting the vision of 'Waste to Wealth' and supporting the circular economy.
Steel slag generation is expected to reach 60 million tonnes in the next few years, considering ongoing capacity augmentation in Indian steel plants with an aim to produce 300 million tonnes of steel by 2030-31. According to the company statement, this substantial increase in steel slag production presents significant opportunities for waste-to-wealth initiatives and sustainable infrastructure development. The steel ministry is actively promoting steel slag road technology and collaborating with the Ministry of Science & Technology and the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways to facilitate large-scale utilization of this industrial by-product.
