Source: Economic Times

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Context

• The Central Road Research Institute (CRRI) focuses on research and development in road and runway infrastructure and promotes the use of bio-bitumen as a sustainable alternative to traditional bitumen.
• Bio-bitumen, derived from organic materials through pyrolysis, offers environmental, economic, and import-reduction benefits, addressing India's growing demand for bitumen in road construction.

Details

Key Points

• Bio-bitumen:
  • Definition: A sustainable, petroleum-free alternative to traditional bitumen, also known as bio-asphalt.
  • Sources: Manufactured from organic materials such as bio-char, bio-oil, and lignins derived from plant cell walls.
  • Production Process: Produced through pyrolysis, which involves heating waste materials to around 500°C without oxygen.

• Benefits of Bio-bitumen:
  • Reduced Imports: Decreases dependency on imported bitumen, leading to savings on foreign exchange.
  • Environmental Impact: Utilizes organic waste materials, addressing issues like stubble burning and promoting sustainability.
  • Economic Benefits: Substantial savings on foreign exchange and promotion of renewable resources.
  • Promotion of Bio-economy: Encourages the use of sustainable resources in construction, boosting the bio-economy.

• Bitumen:
  • Definition: A black substance derived primarily from crude oil, composed of complex hydrocarbons and elements like calcium, iron, sulphur, and oxygen.
  • Properties: Renowned for waterproofing and adhesive properties, making it vital for construction.

• India’s Current Situation – Bitumen:
  • Demand Growth: Increased road construction activities have significantly raised bitumen consumption.
  • Import Dependency: India imports approximately half of its annual bitumen requirement.
  • Statistics: In 2023-24, India imported 3.21 million tonnes and produced 5.24 million tonnes of bitumen locally.

Sources:

Economic Times

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