New Delhi, January 20, 2026 : Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh, on Tuesday recommended the accelerated adoption of steel slag–based road technology for sustainable and durable road construction in hilly and Himalayan terrains, announcing a two-day workshop in Jammu & Kashmir next week to familiarise engineers and officials with its application.
Addressing an event marking the signing of an agreement between the Technology Development Board (TDB) and Visakhapatnam-based Ramuka Global Eco Work Pvt Ltd, the Minister said awareness and on-ground adoption of the technology remain limited in Himalayan States and Union Territories despite its clear advantages in regions with short working seasons, heavy rainfall and frequent road damage.
He said the J&K workshop will be followed by similar programmes in other States and UTs to sensitise road-construction agencies about steel slag technology and its benefits. Dr Singh noted that although pilot trials began nearly two years ago in places such as Surat (Gujarat) and parts of the Northeast including Arunachal Pradesh, and the technology has since been used in Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Gujarat, Jharkhand and Andhra Pradesh, many senior engineers are still unaware of its availability.
The event also marked the formal commercial rollout of ‘ECOFIX’, a ready-to-use pothole repair mix developed by CSIR–Central Road Research Institute (CRRI) with TDB support. Made from processed iron and steel slag, ECOFIX converts industrial waste into a construction resource and can be applied even in wet or waterlogged conditions, significantly reducing repair time and traffic disruption.
Officials said the product has undergone extensive laboratory validation and field trials under Indian climatic and traffic conditions, showing higher durability and lower lifecycle costs than conventional methods. The technology also supports circular economy goals by reducing dependence on natural aggregates and addressing industrial waste disposal.
Dr Singh emphasised that publicly funded research must deliver visible public benefit, stating that innovations like ECOFIX demonstrate how science can directly improve everyday life by tackling routine yet critical issues such as potholes, road safety and commuter stress. He also highlighted a shift in public-private partnerships, noting that the private partner’s investment matches government support.
Under the agreement, TDB and the industry partner plan to set up an iron and steel slag processing facility with an annual capacity of nearly two lakh tonnes, with commercial production expected by end-2027. The facility, located near major steel plants, is expected to ensure steady raw material supply and generate direct and indirect employment.
Calling for wider adoption, the Minister said steel slag technology can help States build more resilient, cost-effective and climate-resilient roads, particularly in the Himalayan belt, and urged State governments and the media to play an active role in spreading awareness.
The signing ceremony was attended by Dr Kalaiselvi (DG, CSIR), Rajesh Kumar Pathak (Secretary, TDB), Dr C.H. Ravi Sekhar (Director, CSIR-CRRI), senior officials from DST, TDB and CSIR, and representatives of Ramuka Global Eco Work Pvt Ltd.
