Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, has strongly advocated the adoption of steel slag-based road construction and repair technologies to improve durability and sustainability of roads in difficult and hilly terrains. Addressing an event in New Delhi marking the signing of an agreement between the Technology Development Board (TDB) and Visakhapatnam-based industry partner for commercial production of ECOFIX, a ready-to-use pothole repair mix, Dr. Singh emphasised the potential benefits of the technology in Himalayan States and Union Territories, where short working seasons, heavy rainfall and frequent road damage present persistent challenges.
Dr. Singh noted that while steel slag technologies have been piloted in several States and Northeast regions, their deployment in hill states remains limited and calls for intensified outreach, capacity building and training of engineers and officials. A two-day workshop on steel slag technology is scheduled next week in Jammu & Kashmir, with similar programmes planned in other States/UTs to familiarise road agencies with application methods and advantages.
The Minister highlighted that the commercial rollout of ECOFIX will convert processed iron and steel slag — an industrial by-product — into a durable, instant road repair material capable of application even in wet conditions, supporting road safety and minimising traffic disruption. He further stated that wider use of steel slag technology will support circular economy goals by reducing dependence on natural aggregates and addressing industrial waste challenges.
Dr. Singh urged State governments, infrastructure agencies and engineering bodies to scale up adoption of this technology to build more resilient, cost-effective roads in climate-vulnerable and mountainous regions across the country.