NHAI’s Green Highway Model: Why is NHAI using fly ash and industrial waste in road construction? What benefits will green highway projects in Chhattisgarh provide to the environment and local communities? Which eco-friendly infrastructure projects is NHAI working on to protect wildlife?
Fly ash and industrial waste, once considered a major challenge to the environment, are now becoming the foundation of the country’s modern highways. Moving beyond the traditional approach to road construction, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has launched an initiative that is offering a new model of balance between development and environmental protection.
Many National Highway projects going on in Chhattisgarh have emerged as the biggest examples of this change. Here, eco-friendly roads are being constructed using materials like fly ash from thermal power plants, steel industry waste and old tyres. This is not only leading to better management of industrial waste but is also helping in reducing carbon emissions.
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Record level use of fly ash in road construction
According to NHAI data, a record 2.17 crore metric tonnes of fly ash was used in road projects in Chhattisgarh during the year 2024-25. After this, in the year 2025-26, more than 62 lakh metric tonnes of fly ash was used in road construction. This campaign is continuing in the current financial year 2026-27 and till now about 20 lakh metric tonnes of fly ash has been used. Experts believe that the use of fly ash improves the quality of roads and also reduces the requirement of soil, thereby reducing the pressure on natural resources.
Green highways being built from old tyres, steel slag and bio-bitumen
Not just fly ash, use of alternative and recycled materials in road construction is also being promoted. About 30,477 metric tons in the year 2024-25 and 2,691 metric tons in the year 2025-26 were used materials like steel slag, rubber from unused tires and bio-bitumen. This initiative reinforces the concept of Green Highways which seeks to minimize environmental impact during road construction.
Water conservation also got a boost
Highway development projects are no longer limited to just road construction. NHAI is also including water conservation and groundwater augmentation among its priorities.
13 Amrit Sarovars have been constructed and rejuvenated along the National Highways across the country. Rural areas of Chhattisgarh are also getting benefits from these. To promote rain water harvesting, the number of water harvesting pits was increased from 14 to 105 in a year. At the same time, 323 kilo liters of treated water was used for construction works and irrigation of plants, which ensured saving of clean drinking water.
Unique infrastructure being prepared for the protection of wildlife
NHAI has presented a unique example of environmental protection and infrastructure development in Sitanadi-Udanti Sanctuary of Chhattisgarh. A modern tunnel about 3 kilometers long is being developed here, through which the movement of vehicles will not be above the forest but from below. This will have minimal impact on the natural habitat of wildlife and their movement. Apart from this, sound barriers are being installed so that the noise of vehicles does not disturb the wildlife. Monkey canopies for tree-dwelling creatures and special elephant passes and animal underpasses for safe movement of other animals including elephants are also being developed.
B-Corridor and Medicine Park will increase rural prosperity
NHAI now wants to develop roads not just as a mode of transport but as corridors that strengthen the local economy and biodiversity. Under this thinking, B-corridors will be developed along the national highways. This will increase natural pollination through bees and improve crop productivity of farmers. Medicine parks will be established on vacant and barren lands, where medicinal plants like Neem, Tulsi, Aloe Vera and Amla will be planted on a large scale.
“Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0” campaign gives impetus to green highways
NHAI has done remarkable work in Chhattisgarh under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0” campaign to accelerate the construction of green highways. Last year, more than 2.5 lakh saplings were planted on the sides and dividers of national highways. This campaign is not only helping in increasing the green cover but is also proving to be an important step towards making the roads more eco-friendly.
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