Mint Explainer| Will the US-Iran war nudge India towards bio-bitumen for road construction?

In India, government research bodies such as CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI) have been developing bio-bitumen formulations using crop residues like paddy straw, which could address both road construction demand and the problem of agricultural waste burning.

CSIR-CRRI also piloted its paddy straw-based bio-bitumen in October 2024 on NH6 Jorabat-Shillong Expressway. It showed “satisfactory field performance under traffic”, CSIR-CRRI said. According to the state-run research institute, using its paddy straw-based bio-bitumen could result in annual forex savings of ₹4,000-4,500 crore, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in road construction by 70%.