Surat: The first six-lane highway road made by using steel slag was inaugurated by the Union Minister of Steel, Ram Chandra Prasad Singh, here today.
The use of steel slag in road construction shall address the shortage of natural aggregates in the country as the production of steel slag in the country from different process routes is likely to increase from the present by 2030.
The minister said that the road constructed with 100% use of steel processed slag is a “real” example of converting waste into wealth and improving the sustainability of steel plants. The use of such material in road construction shall not only Increase durability but also help in reducing the cost of construction as slag-based materials are having better properties than natural aggregates. “The experience gained from this road shall be utilized for developing detailed guidelines for widespread usages of steel slag in construction,” he added.
Singh informed that his Ministry was exploring all other options to utilize such materials in road construction, agriculture as a replacement for soil nutrients and fertilizers, ballast for railways and making green cement. The Steel Ministry has already awarded several R&D projects for the utilization of different types of slags generated during the manufacturing of steel and majority of which are being considered a liability. The road constructed by using steel slag is also part of the R&D project sponsored by the Ministry along with other major steel players.
Recalling the words of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his August 15, 2021 speech, the minister made special reference to the need to promote a circular economy as the world is witnessing the depletion of all types of natural resources. “In such a scenario, a circular economy is the demand of the hour and needs to be made mandatory as a part of our lives,” he said.
– global bihari bureau