India’s expanding road network is enhancing connectivity across geographically challenging regions, with the construction of tunnels, bridges and other essential infrastructure. With sustainability now a cornerstone of infrastructure development, the demand for roads that can withstand environmental challenges while meeting eco-friendly standards is rapidly gaining traction. As a priority sector, the centre is constantly making efforts in this direction.
India’s road construction industry is adopting innovative materials, advanced equipment and digital technologies that not only enhance road quality but also reduce environmental impact. Ground-breaking construction practices are being explored across road projects, from digital planning to eco-friendly materials and cutting-edge maintenance technologies, showcasing how these advancements contribute to resilient, sustainable infrastructure.
Digital technology for project planning and risk mitigation
In the initial planning stages of road projects, digital tools such as building information modelling (BIM) and geographic information system (GIS) are enabling precise designs and minimising construction risks. One prominent example is the Mumbai Coastal Road Project, where BIM was instrumental in creating 3D models for complex sections. By simulating construction scenarios, engineers could foresee challenges and optimise resources, ensuring cost-effective and streamlined project delivery.
GIS mapping has been essential in projects where environmental sensitivity is paramount. For instance, the Hyderabad Outer Ring Road utilised GIS to evaluate geological and ecological factors, adjusting the road’s alignment to minimise disruption to local ecosystems. Similarly, the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) uses GIS planning extensively in the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) initiative. Through its GeoSadak platform–developed with indigenous GIS data layers and satellite data services–the MoRD provides detailed mapping and management of rural roads across India.
Uptake of eco-friendly materials in road construction
India is making significant strides towards sustainable road construction through the use of eco-friendly materials and innovative projects. From repurposing plastic waste to utilising renewable resources such as bamboo, these efforts reflect a shift in infrastructure asset creation towards environmental sustainability and resilience.
One prominent example is green cement, which was used in the Pune Ring Road project. Unlike traditional cement, green cement significantly reduces carbon emissions during production while maintaining durability and strength.
Plastic waste is also being widely adopted for road construction. In the Tamil Nadu Plastic Roads Project, shredded plastic is being mixed with bitumen to create more durable road surfaces that are less prone to cracking and potholes. Under the PMGSY, nearly 40,000 km of rural roads have been constructed using plastic waste, with 13,000 km completed in the past two years alone.
Further, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has mandated the use of plastic waste in highway construction, contributing to pollution reduction and employment generation while reusing 8 million tonnes of garbage for national highways like the New Delhi-Mumbai corridor. Additionally, MoRTH has also issued a mandate to incorporate urban solid waste in road construction. Using municipal solid waste instead of soil from agricultural fields is expected to reduce highway construction costs by approximately 10 per cent and accelerate project timelines by eliminating the need for environmental clearances. States and union territories are also encouraged to incorporate plastic into urban road projects, mixing it with up to 8 per cent of the weight of bitumen for city roads, internal colony roads and office complexes. Furthermore, MoRTH is collaborating with Indian Oil Corporation Limited and other firms to convert waste into bio-compressed natural gas, further supporting sustainable infrastructure.
Bamboo is gaining attention as a sustainable material for road infrastructure, especially as a steel alternative for crash barriers on rural highways in Maharashtra. The development of the world’s first bamboo crash barrier, now installed along the Vani-Warora highway in Vidarbha, Maharashtra, highlights bamboo’s high tensile strength and renewability.
India has also embarked on the Green National Highway Corridors Project (GNHCP) in partnership with the World Bank. This $1.29 billion initiative spans 781 km across Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh, with a focus on eco-friendly construction methods. The GNHCP uses locally sourced materials such as lime, fly ash and plastic waste, combined with bio-engineering techniques such as coco fibre and jute erosion control blankets to stabilise slopes.
At the state level, Uttar Pradesh is implementing its first integrated green road project on a 2.15 km stretch of Gadh Road in Meerut. Managed under the Chief Minister Green Road Infrastructure Development Scheme with a budget of Rs 400 million, this project will serve as a model for future green roads in the state. Inspired by its success, plans are under way to expand this green initiative to 12 more cities, with tenders already in progress in 14 municipalities, including Lucknow.
Enhancing efficiency using digital tools
Advanced equipment such as GPS-enabled graders and pavers has redefined the on-ground road construction experience in India. The Dwarka Expressway project leveraged GPS-controlled pavers to lay road layers with remarkable precision, reducing material waste and ensuring quality.
Digital twins have found practical application in the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link project. This technology allowed real-time monitoring, enabling engineers to identify deviations from design and make immediate adjustments.
Predictive maintenance and project monitoring
Predictive maintenance, driven by internet of things sensors and real-time data analytics, is extending the lifespan of road infrastructure. On the Pune-Bengaluru highway, embedded sensors monitor structural integrity, collecting data on load, temperature and other variables. In addition, the Delhi-Mumbai expressway has integrated drones for aerial monitoring, enabling efficient inspections across long distances without the need for manual intervention.
Drones capture high resolution images that serve multiple purposes across the life
cycle of road projects. During construction, they monitor project progress in real time, ensuring alignment with timelines and design specifications. Once projects are completed, drones continue to play a vital role in operations and maintenance by detecting wear and tear or other anomalies, providing an innovative solution for ongoing road upkeep.
Eco-friendly construction techniques
Cold in-place recycling, a method that reuses existing asphalt on-site, is becoming a preferred technique in the sector. The Bilgram-Unnao-Allahabad (SH-58) road project utilised this technique as it involved recycling 75 mm of the pavement, using bitumen emulsion and foamed bitumen to reclaim some stretches of the road. In regions prone to flooding, permeable pavements have proven invaluable. For instance, roads in Kerala have adopted permeable pavements that allow water to seep through, reducing surface run-off and preventing urban flooding. This approach has proven especially useful in monsoon-heavy areas, aligning with India’s need for climate-resilient infrastructure.
The Border Roads Organisation’s (BRO’s) Project Vijayak in Kargil, Ladakh, has successfully utilised the indigenous REJUPAVE road construction technology. This was used to construct high-altitude bituminous roads in low and sub zero temperatures on the Drass-Umbala-Sankoo road in Drass, the world’s second coldest inhabited place. Previously, this technology was used by BRO to build sections at the world’s highest Sela road tunnel and the LGG-Damteng-Yangste road section near Arunachal Pradesh’s China border at 18,000 feet.
Additionally, the National Highways Authority of India is exploring the adoption of a new technology that allows asphalt roads to repair themselves, potentially reducing the occurrence of potholes, a major cause of road accidents in the country. This innovative technology could significantly increase the durability of roads and reduce the need for frequent maintenance, thus minimising traffic disruptions. Although the government still has to conduct a cost-benefit analysis before widespread adoption, this technology has the potential to revolutionise road maintenance practices and enhance road safety.
Future scope
The future of India’s road sector is promising, with recent developments providing momentum for further growth. The PM Gati Shakti Mission focuses on integrating infrastructure projects through digital tools and standardised frameworks, supporting innovation in road construction. Additionally, the National Green Highways Mission promotes eco-friendly construction practices, encouraging the use of recycled materials, renewable resources and sustainable technologies in infrastructure development.
India’s move towards electric and solar-powered construction equipment is expected to further reduce the carbon footprint of infrastructure projects, aligning with global sustainability goals. Collaborative efforts between government agencies and private companies are already under way to test and implement green materials and digital solutions.
As India continues to innovate and scale these practices, the country’s roads will not only support economic growth but also serve as models of environmental responsibility and resilience. These advancements promise to create a network of resilient, efficient and sustainable roads, positioning India as a leader in next-generation infrastructure.
