Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, emphasized the potential of agricultural waste as a valuable national resource, highlighting bio-bitumen as a major step toward the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. By converting agro-waste into bio-bitumen, India can curb pollution from crop burning, promote a circular economy, and reduce reliance on imported crude oil. With a 15% blending rate, the country could save nearly ₹4,500 crore in foreign exchange.
Speaking at CSIR’s Technology Transfer Ceremony, “From Farm Residue to Road: Bio-Bitumen via Pyrolysis,” Shri Gadkari called the event a historic milestone, noting that India is the first nation in the world to commercially produce bio-bitumen. He congratulated the CSIR team and their scientists for this pioneering achievement and acknowledged the support of Union MoS Shri Jitendra Singh in realizing the project.
Shri Gadkari added that bio-bitumen will empower farmers, generate rural employment, and boost the rural economy. He stated that this innovation reflects the government’s commitment to sustainable development, self-reliance, and environmentally responsible growth, setting the stage for a cleaner, greener future for India.
