NHAI to Explore Use of Phosphor-Gypsum in National Highway Construction

Source: The post is based on the article “NHAI to Explore Use of Phosphor-Gypsum in National Highway Construction” published in PIB on 22nd  February 2023

What is the News?

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has partnered with the Department of Fertilizers under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers. They will conduct field trials on NHAI projects for the use of Phosphor-Gypsum in National Highway Construction. 

What is Phosphor Gypsum?

Phosphor-Gypsum is a by-product of fertilizer production.

It has been found to be an effective material for road construction.

Note: An Indian fertilizer company has constructed a road using Phosphor-Gypsum. Based on the Central Road Research Institute’s (CRRI) report, the Indian Road Congress (IRC) has accredited Phosphor-Gypsum waste material, for road construction.

Significance: The use of Phosphor-Gypsum in road construction aligns with the principles of a circular economy. This process encourages the use of waste material to create new products, thus reducing waste and conserving resources. 

What are the other steps taken by NHAI to encourage the use of waste material in road construction?

Use of waste plastic: The NHAI has already tested the use of waste plastic in road construction, which has been found to be highly successful. 

– Studies have shown that roads built using plastic waste are durable, sustainable, and increase the life of bitumen. The construction of one kilometer of a four-lane highway helps in the disposal of approximately seven tons of plastic waste.

Use of Fly Ash: NHAI has been using fly ash, a fine residue of coal combustion in Thermal Power Plants (TPPs) for the construction of highways and flyover embankments.

– Notably, the 135 km long, six-lane Eastern Peripheral Expressway used 1.2 crore cubic meters of fly ash in its construction.