In a significant step towards sustainable infrastructure, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI) has introduced its innovative Modified Mix Seal Plus (MSS+) technology for rural road construction in Uttar Pradesh.
Adopted under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), the Uttar Pradesh Rural Road Development Authority (UPRRDA) is constructing 38 rural roads, covering 202 kilometres, using MSS+. Unlike traditional hot-mix methods, MSS+ is a cold-mix technology that eliminates the need for heating aggregates or bitumen, drastically reducing carbon emissions and enabling all-weather construction.
Recently, Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Secretary, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research & Director General, CSIR, along with senior officials from CSIR-CRRI and UPRRDA, inspected the Mankapur–Nawabganj–Ambarpur road in Gonda district. Field results confirmed superior road quality, lower environmental impact, and alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Developed in 2021 in collaboration with J.M.V.D. Industries and first piloted near Lucknow in 2022, MSS+ has shown excellent performance over three years. The technology is now being scaled across six districts in the state.
Officials say this innovation represents a “major leap” towards eco-friendly and durable rural connectivity, setting a precedent for green road construction nationwide.