Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd. (APSEZ) has unveiled the world’s inaugural steel slag road within a private port at Hazira. This pioneering 1.1-kilometre stretch, connecting Multi-Purpose Berth (MPB-1) to the coal yard, represents a monumental leap in circular economy principles, demonstrating how industrial by-products can be ingeniously repurposed into robust, high-performance infrastructure. The initiative firmly positions India at the vanguard of sustainable port development, fostering a blueprint for eco-conscious urban and industrial growth.
This landmark project, developed in collaboration with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI) and the Union Ministry of Science & Technology, epitomises the nation’s commitment to the ‘Waste to Wealth’ mission. Utilising processed steel slag aggregates, a significant by-product of steel manufacturing, the road showcases an innovative approach to waste management. This not only diverts substantial industrial waste from landfills, thereby reducing environmental burden, but also conserves precious natural resources typically consumed in traditional road construction, aligning seamlessly with the agenda for creating zero net carbon and eco-friendly cities.
The flexible pavement design, meticulously engineered by CSIR-CRRI, is a testament to advanced material science, promising enhanced load-bearing capacity and exceptional longevity. Beyond its structural integrity, this innovative construction method yields substantial reductions in both construction costs and the overall environmental footprint. Such advancements are critical for building resilient infrastructure that can withstand the demands of modern logistics while minimising ecological impact, contributing directly to the long-term sustainability of urban and industrial ecosystems.
The formal inauguration at Hazira Port by Dr. Vijay Kumar Saraswat, Member (Science & Technology), NITI Aayog, alongside Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director-General, CSIR & Secretary, DSIR, and Dr. Manoranjan Parida, Director, CSIR-CRRI & President, Indian Roads Congress, underscored the national significance of this achievement. The presence of Satish Pandey, Senior Principal Scientist and the inventor of steel slag road technology, further highlighted the indigenous innovation driving this green transformation. This collaborative model between industry, research institutions, and government bodies sets a powerful precedent for future sustainable development initiatives across various sectors.
While this marks India’s third steel slag road overall, its distinction as the first ever constructed inside a port globally elevates its importance, showcasing a practical, scalable solution for industrial ecology. The successful implementation at Hazira offers a compelling case study for other ports and industrial zones worldwide, demonstrating the economic and environmental viability of integrating industrial waste into mainstream infrastructure development. This strategic blend of innovation, resource efficiency, and infrastructure resilience is pivotal for national growth, promising healthier, more efficient, and ultimately more equitable urban environments where all citizens can thrive from a cleaner, more sustainable future.
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