Odisha Eyes Greener Roads: Plastic Waste to Pave the Way for Sustainable Infrastructure

Bhubaneswar: For sustainable urban development, the Housing & Urban Development Department of Odisha is exploring the use of plastic waste in road construction to curb pollution and promote eco-friendly practices. A high-level meeting chaired by Principal Secretary Usha Padhee was held today in Bhubaneswar to chart the way forward.

Addressing officials and stakeholders, Padhee underlined the urgent need for environment-conscious infrastructure planning. She highlighted the potential of recycled plastic—especially from bottles and carry bags—when shredded and blended with heated bitumen and aggregates, to enhance the quality and longevity of roads. The method, already in use by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), has proven effective in improving road durability while simultaneously managing plastic waste.

In alignment with its commitment to a pollution-free and circular economy, Odisha is now considering pilot projects in selected urban areas where plastic waste will be utilized in road laying. Officials discussed how this initiative could significantly reduce the burden of plastic pollution and set a model for sustainable urban practices.

The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including Dr. N. Thirumala Naik, Vice Chairman, BDA; J.P. Burma, Project Director, NHAI; Abinas Behera, Manager Technical, RO NHAI; Bilas Behera, EIC PH; Binay Dash, Additional Secretary, H&UD; and Ratnakar Sahu, Additional Commissioner, BMC.

The discussion concluded with a shared consensus to move ahead with the initiative in a technically robust and planned manner. Participants agreed to identify suitable stretches for the initial rollout of plastic waste roads, with strong inter-departmental coordination and support from Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and experts.