Key Facts
An associate professor from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee has proposed a pilot project to the Karnataka government to construct a road section using bio-bitumen technology. The innovation claims to cut construction costs by up to 20% while offering environmental benefits.
Details of the Technology
The bio-binder is produced by blending 25% Class C sugarcane molasses with 75% virgin bitumen through a controlled chemical reaction. This reduces the use of conventional bitumen, whose price has surged to around ₹60,000 per tonne due to the West Asia crisis, up from ₹45,000 earlier.
Nikhil Saboo, associate professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at IIT Roorkee, has been developing this technology for five years. He notes that no specialised infrastructure is required; existing drum mix plant facilities can be used, with the key requirement being proper temperature control during mixing.
Economic and Environmental Impact
India is the world’s second-largest producer of sugarcane molasses, with annual output of 13-14 million tonnes, ensuring ample raw material. While virgin bitumen costs about ₹85 per kg, molasses ranges between ₹10 and ₹15 per kg, significantly lowering binder costs. The technology also reduces reliance on imported bitumen and promotes sustainable waste utilisation.
Field Trials and Performance
The technology has been tested in three field trials. A 650-metre stretch on National Highway 709AD in Uttar Pradesh, constructed in November 2022, and two stretches in Uttarakhand have performed satisfactorily. According to Saboo, “The road section, which used bio-bitumen in the surface layer, has performed satisfactorily and remained maintenance-free for more than three years despite carrying traffic loads of nearly 200 million standard axles.”
What Readers Should Know
- The proposal has been sent to the Karnataka Public Works Department (PWD) and the Chief Minister’s Office.
- Saboo has offered full technical support from IIT Roorkee for the pilot project.
- A government source indicated the PWD is interested and will discuss further.
- Bengaluru civic agencies are already exploring new road technologies, such as Ultra High-Performance Fiber Reinforced Concrete (UHPFRC) for elevated corridors.
FAQ
What is bio-bitumen technology?
Bio-bitumen is a blend of 25% sugarcane molasses and 75% virgin bitumen, processed through a controlled chemical reaction, reducing reliance on conventional bitumen.
How much cost reduction does bio-bitumen offer?
The technology can reduce road construction costs by up to 20% as molasses costs ₹10-15 per kg compared to bitumen at ₹85 per kg.
Has bio-bitumen been tested on actual roads?
Yes, a 650-metre stretch on NH 709AD in Uttar Pradesh (built Nov 2022) and two stretches in Uttarakhand have performed well for over three years.
What is the current status of the Karnataka proposal?
IIT Roorkee's Nikhil Saboo has written to the Karnataka PWD and CM's office seeking approval for a pilot project. The PWD has shown interest.