The Government of India is actively implementing green and sustainable construction practices in National Highway projects, in line with the Green Highways (Plantation, Transplantation, Beautification and Maintenance) Policy, 2015 and the Indian Road Congress (IRC): SP: 21-2009 guidelines, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Jairam Gadkari informed the Rajya Sabha.
In a written reply, the minister said that plantation activities are being undertaken along the available Right of Way and highway medians wherever feasible, with a strong focus on native plant species that have high survival rates and greater carbon absorption capacity. The initiative aims to enhance roadside greenery, improve ecological balance, and reduce the environmental impact of large-scale highway development.
Gadkari further noted that concerned agencies are consistently promoting the use of recycled materials, industrial by-products, and environment-friendly technologies in both the construction and maintenance of National Highway projects. These efforts are intended to improve resource efficiency while minimizing environmental degradation.
As part of this approach, sustainable and recycled materials such as fly ash in embankment and structural works, Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) in bituminous layers, and Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste are being increasingly utilized in highway construction, in accordance with prescribed technical standards.
The ministry is also encouraging the use of plastic waste in bituminous mixes, natural geo-textiles, and other sustainable materials, including slag, crumb rubber, and recycled or industrial by-products, based on project feasibility and applicable guidelines. These measures are expected to improve pavement performance while addressing environmental concerns.
According to Gadkari, these initiatives contribute significantly to India’s climate commitments by promoting resource efficiency, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and supporting the principles of the circular economy, thereby strengthening the sustainability framework of the country’s highway infrastructure development.
