Praj Industries & CSIR-CRRI Build Highway Using Lignin Bio-Bitumen

Hon’ble Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari inaugurated India’s first national highway constructed with lignin based bio-bitumen blended up to 15%, achieving a 70% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared to conventional fossil-based bitumen.

India’s first lignin bio-bitumen national highway can save billions in foreign exchange and promote eco-friendly solutions. A joint collaboration between the CSIR-CRRI, and Pune-based biotech firm Praj Industries, the project is a significant step forward in addressing the environmental and supply chain challenges posed by traditional bitumen production, which is derived from lignin - a crop residue.