1: Introduction & Context

- India has inaugurated its first-ever Steel Slag Road, marking a notable shift towards sustainable infrastructure.

- Located on a section of NH-66, this road links Mumbai and Goa, both crucial hubs of commerce and tourism.

2: Technological Development & Innovations

- The technology for developing this road was harnessed by CSIR-CRRI (Council of Scientific & Industrial Research- Central Road Research Institute), exemplifying India's capacity for research and development.

- The institute has carved out a unique strategy of converting industrial waste, in this case, steel slag, into a significant resource for constructing advanced national highways.

3: Specifications of the Steel Slag Road

- Depending on the superior strength of bituminous steel slag, this road is 28% thinner in comparison to traditional roads.

- Despite the reduction in thickness, it boasts enhanced longevity and cost-efficiency, making it an innovation worth replication.

4: The Values Manifested: Sustainability, Innovation, Collaboration & More

- The project exemplifies sustainability by utilising industrial waste, steel slag, in road construction.

- It showcases the innovation of converting waste into usable resources, which can have far-reaching implications for various sectors.

- The partnership between different sectors like industrial waste management, research institutes, and road construction authorities that made this project possible suggests the potential of targeted collaboration.

- Demonstration of cost-effectiveness and efficiency is evident in the making of this road, particularly because it necessitates lesser materials for construction while offering increased durability.

- The significance of durability in road construction is clearly highlighted, as this thinner road is sturdier than conventional ones, promising a longer lifespan.

5: Geographical GK note

- The first Steel Slag Road, on NH-66, connects Mumbai and Goa, major economic centres in the western part of India.

- NH-66 is a National Highway in India that starts from Panvel (a city in Raigad district of Maharashtra) and ends at Kanyakumari (Tamil Nadu), showing India's commitment to sustainable infrastructure development stretching from the north to the south.

6: A Move towards an Eco-friendly Future

- This venture is a critical step towards sustainable infrastructure development in India.

- By effectively using industrial waste, it addresses environmental concerns and eases the over-use of construction resources.

- The success of this project provides a replicable model for future construction endeavours, propelling India further towards an eco-friendly, sustainable future.