Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh on Tuesday advocated wider adoption of steel slag–based road construction technology, particularly in hilly and Himalayan States and Union Territories, to improve road durability and sustainability.
Speaking at the signing of an agreement between the Technology Development Board (TDB) and Ramuka Global Eco Work Private Limited for commercial production of ECOFIX, a ready-to-use pothole repair mix developed by CSIR–Central Road Research Institute (CRRI), the Minister announced that workshops on steel slag technology will begin next week in Jammu & Kashmir, followed by other hill States and UTs.
Dr. Jitendra Singh said the technology is especially beneficial for regions facing short construction seasons, heavy rainfall, and frequent road damage, but awareness among implementing agencies remains limited. He noted that steel slag-based solutions have already been piloted and used in several states including Gujarat, Assam, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Andhra Pradesh.
The ECOFIX technology converts processed steel and iron slag into a durable repair mix that can be applied even in wet or waterlogged conditions, reducing repair time and traffic disruption. Officials said the solution has been laboratory validated and field tested, demonstrating better durability and lower lifecycle costs compared to conventional methods, while supporting circular economy goals.
Under the TDB-supported partnership, an iron and steel slag processing facility with an annual capacity of nearly two lakh tonnes will be established, with commercial production expected by end-2027, generating employment and promoting sustainable infrastructure development.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
