'Dirt Road' Gets New Meaning: NHAI Used 63 MT Of Waste For National Highway Construction In 2023-24

Last Updated:July 16, 2025, 07:30 IST

A significant initiative by the NHAI includes the use of plastic waste in highway construction, particularly in urban areas generating high volumes of plastic waste

The NHAI has mandated the use of fly ash and pond ash in road and highway projects located within a 300-kilometre radius of coal-based thermal power plants, ensuring efficient utilisation of this by-product. (Representational image/Local18)

In a major stride toward sustainable infrastructure, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) repurposed over 63 million tonnes of waste in building national highways during 2023-24.

The highway-building body on Tuesday released the second Sustainability Report 2023-24. The report details NHAI’s robust framework for integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into every aspect of its operations.

The Sustainability Report 2023-24 underlines the effectiveness of various efforts made by NHAI for environmental protection and energy conservation.

As per the report, the NHAI successfully reduced its Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Intensity from 1.0 MTCO2e/km to 0.8 MTCO2e/km, “demonstrating a clear decoupling of construction growth from emissions".

The reduction in GHG emissions was achieved despite a 20 per cent increase in highway construction in FY 2023-24, with 6,634 km built compared to 5,551 km in FY 2022-23. Also, the water use intensity of NHAI has reduced by 74% in water-stressed regions compared to FY2021-22.

“In FY 2023-24, NHAI utilised more than 631 lakh metric tonnes of recycled and reused materials, including fly-ash, plastic waste, and reclaimed asphalt, in National Highway construction. In addition to this, NHAI continued to undertake nationwide tree plantation drives along the National Highways. In FY 2023-24, NHAI planted over 56 lakh saplings," an official statement said.

In 2024-25, the NHAI has already planted 67.47 lakh saplings, bringing the total tree plantation to over 4.69 crore since the implementation of the Green Highways (Plantation, Transplantation, Beautification and Maintenance) Policy 2015.

Plastic Use in Roads

As per the report, a significant initiative by the NHAI includes the use of plastic waste in highway construction, particularly in urban areas generating high volumes of plastic waste.

The pilot projects in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and a stretch of NH-48 near Dhaula Kuan in Delhi have successfully incorporated plastic waste into surface courses. The Delhi-Meerut Expressway and Gurugram-Sohna Highway also feature sections constructed using this innovative approach.

The NHAI said it used plastic waste through concessionaires and contractors.

The efforts have significantly contributed to reducing environmental disruptions, with approximately seven tonnes of plastic waste eliminated for every kilometre of a four-lane highway constructed.

Fly Ash and Pond Ash

The combined use of fly ash and pond ash in construction has increased over the past three years, further demonstrating NHAI’s commitment to sustainable practices.

“Through these initiatives, NHAI has successfully diverted 3,300 tonnes of non-hazardous waste from disposal within its own operations, reinforcing its dedication to circular economy principles," the report added.

The NHAI has mandated the use of fly ash and pond ash in road and highway projects located within a 300-kilometre radius of coal-based thermal power plants, ensuring efficient utilisation of this by-product.

“NHAI has collaborated with regional suppliers for the procurement of the materials. Sourcing materials locally lowers transportation costs and delivery times, increases project efficiency, and contributes to overall goals. It also strengthens links with local businesses, which benefits the community’s economy and promotes sustainable practice," the report added.

Union minister Nitin Gadkari said that the second Sustainability Report from NHAI showcases the ministry’s progress in integrating sustainability into every facet of operations—from environment-friendly construction practices and resource efficiency to biodiversity conservation, community development, and stakeholder engagement.

“With sustainability at the forefront, NHAI has adopted eco-friendly construction practices in infrastructure development, utilising recycled materials, inert waste from landfills, setting up solar power plants, creating surface water bodies, and implementing rainwater harvesting measures. Green technologies and comprehensive environmental management strategies have been integrated to address concerns related to biodiversity, wildlife, and local communities," he added.

The NHAI operates as an autonomous organisation under the ministry of road transport and highways (MoRTH) and is responsible for the development, maintenance, and management of national highways.

With a “forward-thinking" approach, NHAI is designed to not only address current challenges but also to future-proof India’s road infrastructure. By integrating sustainable practices and embracing technological advancements, NHAI is “poised to lead the transformation of India’s highway network into a safer, greener, and more inclusive network", the report added.

Nivedita Singh

Nivedita Singh is a data journalist and covers the Election Commission, Indian Railways and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. She has nearly seven years of experience in the news media. She tweets @nived...Read More

Nivedita Singh is a data journalist and covers the Election Commission, Indian Railways and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. She has nearly seven years of experience in the news media. She tweets @nived...

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