In a major push towards sustainable and eco-friendly infrastructure development, the CSIR–Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI) has entered into a strategic partnership with JSW Steel Limited, Salem Works, to construct roads using steel slag, an industrial by-product of steel manufacturing.
The collaboration aims to convert steel slag, traditionally treated as waste, into value-added construction material for bituminous road works, thereby reducing environmental burden and conserving natural resources such as stone aggregates. The initiative strongly supports the Government of India’s “From Waste to Wealth” programme and the broader goal of promoting a circular economy in infrastructure development.
Under the partnership, a demonstration road stretch will be constructed in and around Salem district using CSIR-CRRI’s Steel Slag Road® technology. This technology involves scientific processing and stabilization of steel slag generated from Electric Optimization Furnace (EOF) and Ladle Refining Furnace (LRF) operations to make it suitable for road construction. The performance of the road will be continuously monitored to assess parameters such as strength, durability, skid resistance, and long-term performance under traffic conditions.
The project is part of a sponsored research programme titled “Development of Customized Steel Slag Valorisation Process”, which focuses on developing a standardized and scalable process for the utilisation of steel slag generated at JSW Steel’s Salem facility. The research will also help in establishing technical guidelines and best practices for large-scale adoption of steel slag in road construction across the state and the country.
Speaking on the occasion, officials from CSIR highlighted that steel slag roads have demonstrated better load-bearing capacity and longer service life compared to conventional roads, while significantly reducing the consumption of natural aggregates. The use of industrial by-products in infrastructure also contributes to lower carbon emissions, reduced landfill requirements, and improved resource efficiency.
The Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) for the project was signed at JSW Steel’s Salem Works in the presence of senior officials from CSIR and JSW Steel. The collaboration marks the first-ever implementation of steel slag road technology in Tamil Nadu, adding the state to the growing list of regions adopting innovative green construction practices.
CSIR-CRRI has previously implemented steel slag road projects in collaboration with major steel producers across India, with successful results in terms of performance and sustainability. The Salem project is expected to serve as a model for future infrastructure projects, encouraging wider adoption of waste-derived construction materials.
The initiative reflects India’s increasing focus on sustainable development, industrial waste management, and climate-resilient infrastructure, demonstrating how scientific innovation can transform industrial waste into economic and environmental value.