NHAI on Wednesday said it is exploring the use of phosphor-gypsum waste material, a by-product of fertilizer production, in the construction of national highway.

NHAI, along with the Department of Fertilizers, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, is going to take up field trials on projects for use of phosphor-gypsum in the construction of national highway to achieve a circular economy in the use of gypsum.

An Indian fertilizer company has constructed a road using phosphor-gypsum which was evaluated by the Central Road Research Institute (CRRI). Based on their report, the Indian Road Congress (IRC) has accredited neutralized phosphor-gypsum waste material for road construction for three years, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) said in a statement.

The fertilizer company and CRRI have been asked to take up field trials on an NHAI project to evaluate performance of phosphor-gypsum on a national highway and to generate confidence among various stakeholders on use of the waste material in highway construction.

NHAI is also encouraging use of waste plastic in road construction, which has already been tested successfully.

NHAI has been encouraging the innovative use of new materials and is focused on reducing the carbon footprint, enhancing durability and making construction more economical.

An accomplishment towards achieving Aatmanirbhar Bharat has been made with the development of the world’s first bamboo-made crash barrier, which has been installed on the Vani-Warora Highway in Vidarbh, Maharashtra.

The 200-meter-long bamboo crash barrier, which has been named Bahu Balli, underwent rigorous testing at various government-run institutions such as the National Automotive Test Tracks (NATRAX) in Pithampur, Indore and was rated as Class 1 during the Fire Rating Test conducted at the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) in Roorkee, Ministry of Road and Highways said in a statement.

Additionally, it has also been accredited by the Indian Road Congress. The recycling value of the bamboo barrier is 50-70 per cent whereas that of steel barriers is 30-50 per cent, the statement said.

The bamboo species used in the making of this barrier is Bambusa Balcoa, which is treated with creosote oil and coated with recycled High-Density Poly Ethylene (HDPE).

This achievement, the Ministry said, is remarkable for the bamboo industry and India as a whole, as this crash barrier offers a perfect alternative to steel and addresses environmental concerns and their aftermath.