Steel slag roads can cut construction costs by 40% and provide fourfold durability: Dr Jitendra Singh
Distilled Policy Brief
- The technology was successfully scaled to construct a 1.85 km road in Raigarh, Chhattisgarh, securing a Guinness World Record for the world's longest steel slag road, which requires major maintenance only after approximately 15 years.
- This 'Waste to Wealth' initiative addresses the dual challenges of industrial waste utilization and natural resource conservation, making it highly suitable for heavy rainfall zones like the Northeast and rural roads experiencing heavy commercial traffic.
🎯 Prelims High-Yield Examination Points
CSIR-CRRI's indigenous steel slag road technology, its cost-efficiency (40% reduction), durability (4x strength, 15-year maintenance cycle), and the world's longest steel slag road in Raigarh, Chhattisgarh.
⚖️ Mains Analytical & Syllabus Linkages
Role of industrial waste-to-wealth technologies in building resilient infrastructure, conserving natural resources, and promoting circular economy in India's road construction sector.
🎯 UPSC Prelims Practice Drill
With reference to the 'Steel Slag Road Technology' recently in the news, consider the following statements: 1. It can reduce road construction costs by up to 40% and offers approximately four times more durability than conventional roads. 2. The world's longest steel slag road, measuring 1.85 km, was constructed in Raigarh, Chhattisgarh, securing a Guinness World Record. 3. This technology is highly suitable for heavy rainfall zones like the Northeast and rural roads experiencing heavy commercial traffic. Which of the statements given above are correct?
- [A] 1 and 2 only
- [B] 2 and 3 only
- [C] 1 and 3 only
- [D] 1, 2 and 3
▶ Reveal Official Answer & Analytical Explanation
All three statements are correct. Steel slag road technology, developed indigenously, reduces construction costs by up to 40% and provides four times the durability of conventional roads, requiring major maintenance only after about 15 years. A 1.85 km stretch in Raigarh, Chhattisgarh, holds the Guinness World Record for the longest such road. Additionally, its high durability and resistance make it highly suitable for heavy rainfall regions like the Northeast and rural roads with heavy commercial traffic.
🏛️ Historical Twin PYQ Anchor (2021)
Consider the following statements regarding the "National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)": 1. It is implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. 2. Central Pollution Control Board acts as the sole regulatory executive body.