Hazira Port’s Adani Builds World’s First Sustainable Steel Slag Road
Hazira Port in Gujarat has launched the world’s first steel slag road constructed within a port in a major stride towards sustainable infrastructure. The 1.1-kilometre road, developed by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd. (APSEZ), connects the port’s multi-purpose berth to the coal yard and showcases circular economy principles in action. Made from industrial steel slag waste, the project aims to enhance load-bearing capacity, durability, and cost-efficiency while reducing the environmental impact of road construction.
Built as part of the Bulk & General Cargo Terminal expansion (Phase II), the eco-conscious initiative demonstrates the potential of industrial by-products in mainstream infrastructure. Steel slag, a residue generated during steel manufacturing, was repurposed for the road’s flexible pavement, boosting its structural performance and longevity. Developed in collaboration with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI), the project is backed by the Union Ministry of Science & Technology. According to senior officials involved, this model offers a replicable pathway to greener logistics solutions, especially in heavily trafficked industrial zones. The port authority stated that the effort supports India’s Waste to Wealth mission by reducing raw material dependency, cutting carbon emissions, and lowering road construction costs. Experts highlighted that the use of slag not only diverts waste from landfills but also enhances the road’s resistance to wear from heavy freight movement—ideal for port conditions.
This Hazira project marks India’s third steel slag road but is the first of its kind globally within a maritime port setting, representing a leap in sustainable engineering practices. Experts involved in the design confirmed that the road can handle substantial axle loads while requiring less frequent maintenance. With the backing of scientific institutions and policy support from national bodies, this experiment underscores a larger movement in India’s port infrastructure towards durability and ecological sensitivity. Stakeholders stated that such innovations are essential to meet the twin goals of industrial productivity and environmental responsibility. The steel slag technology was rigorously tested to meet maritime logistics demands and aligns with global efforts to decarbonise the transport sector. By integrating environmental stewardship into its logistics expansion, Hazira Port sets a precedent for other ports to explore similar solutions in their expansion blueprints, thus contributing to India’s broader net-zero goals and resource-efficient development strategies.
The steel slag road project at Hazira Port exemplifies how industrial waste can be transformed into a resilient, eco-friendly asset that supports both economic and environmental priorities. As India pushes for climate-resilient and resource-optimised infrastructure, such models pave the way for a circular economy in logistics. Authorities note this achievement as a step forward in redefining how industrial by-products are perceived—not as waste, but as valuable inputs in green construction. With this innovation, Hazira Port has emerged as a benchmark in sustainable maritime infrastructure, showcasing how science, policy, and enterprise can converge to advance national development imperatives.
