India's Rural Road Revolution: 43,700 km of Roads Laid Using Waste Plastic Under PMGSY

Strategic Insights -

India's rural roads have witnessed a significant transformation with over 43,700 kilometres of roads laid using waste plastic under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) scheme. This initiative aims to promote the adoption of new and green technologies in road construction, reducing the environmental impact of plastic waste. The Ministry of Rural Development has issued a Vision Document to encourage the use of waste plastic in rural road construction, with a target of using at least 70% waste plastic in road works.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 43,700 km of rural roads have been laid using waste plastic under PMGSY, as of July 31, 2022.
  • The Ministry of Rural Development has issued a "Vision Document on New Technology Initiatives Guidelines 2022" to promote the adoption of new and green technologies in road construction.
  • States and Union Territories are required to use waste plastic in at least 70% of the eligible proposed length of PMGSY roads.
  • The guidelines regulate the type of plastics to be used in the hot mix process and the required size.
  • The Indian Road Congress has issued guidelines for using waste plastic in hot bituminous mixes in wearing courses.
  • The PMGSY scheme aims to reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste by diverting it from landfills and the sea.
  • As of July 31, 2022, a total of 56,875 km of road works have been sanctioned using waste plastic under various interventions and verticals of PMGSY.

Statistics:

  • 43,700 km of rural roads laid using waste plastic under PMGSY.
  • 56,875 km of road works sanctioned using waste plastic under various interventions and verticals of PMGSY.
  • 70% target for using waste plastic in road works under PMGSY.
  • Total road length sanctioned in 2022 under PMGSY: 56,875 km.

Sources:

  • [The Northlines, August 19]
  • [Ministry of Rural Development, "Vision Document on New Technology Initiatives Guidelines 2022"]
  • [Indian Road Congress, "Guidelines for the use of waste plastic in hot bituminous mixes (dry process) in wearing courses"]