Why in news?
During a press event on 20 January 2026, Union Minister of State for Science & Technology Dr Jitendra Singh called on state agencies to adopt steel‑slag‑based road technology, particularly in hilly and Himalayan regions. The minister also witnessed the signing of an agreement between the Technology Development Board and Ramuka Global Eco Work for commercial production of “ECOFIX,” a pothole‑repair mix that uses processed steel slag.
Background
Steel slag is a by‑product of steel manufacturing. When processed and graded, this material can replace natural aggregates in road construction and repair. The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research’s Central Road Research Institute (CSIR‑CRRI) has developed technologies to use slag in pavement layers and a ready‑to‑use pothole‑repair mix. Trials conducted in Gujarat, the Northeast and other states demonstrated improved durability, lower costs and quicker repairs compared with conventional methods. However, awareness about the technology remains low, especially in remote hilly regions where road maintenance is challenging.
Highlights of the minister’s address
- Workshops and outreach: Two‑day workshops will be held starting in Jammu & Kashmir to familiarise engineers and officials with steel‑slag road technology. Similar programmes will follow in other hill states and union territories.
- ECOFIX rollout: The Technology Development Board signed an agreement with Visakhapatnam‑based Ramuka Global Eco Work to scale up production of ECOFIX, a ready‑to‑use mix that uses processed iron and steel slag. ECOFIX can repair potholes even in wet conditions and is expected to reach the market by 2027.
- Sustainable infrastructure: The minister emphasised that using industrial waste like steel slag reduces reliance on natural aggregates, cuts waste‑disposal problems and contributes to a circular economy. He noted that several states, including Karnataka, Assam and Gujarat, have already built slag‑based roads with promising results.
- Benefits for hilly regions: Hill states face short construction seasons, heavy rainfall and frequent road damage. Steel‑slag pavements and repair mixes offer better resistance to water and rutting, making them especially suitable for such areas.
- Public–private collaboration: The partnership between CSIR‑CRRI and private industry demonstrates how public research can be commercialised to solve everyday problems. The minister urged media and state governments to spread awareness so that the technology reaches areas where it is most needed.
Conclusion
Adopting steel‑slag technology can transform India’s road infrastructure, particularly in challenging terrains. Turning industrial waste into durable roads promotes sustainability, conserves natural resources and brings research innovations into public use. With workshops planned and commercial production under way, wider adoption now depends on state‑level enthusiasm and effective dissemination.
Source: DDNEWS
