Bio-Bitumen via Pyrolysis: From Farm Residue to Roads
7th January 2026
India enters into an era of 'Clean, Green Highways', with the successful Technology Transfer titled 'Bio-Bitumen via Pyrolysis: From Farm Residue to Roads', an indigenous innovation developed by CSIR Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI) New Delhi and CSIR Indian Institute of Petroleum Dehradun (CSIR-IIP)
The process involves collection of post-harvest rice straw, palletisation, pyrolysis to produce bio-oil, and subsequent blending with conventional bitumen
Extensive laboratory validation has demonstrated that 20–30% of conventional bitumen can be safely replaced without compromising performance. The technology has undergone physical, rheological, chemical, and mechanical characterisation, including rutting, cracking, moisture damage, and resilient modulus tests
A 100-metre trial stretch using bio-bitumen has already been successfully laid on the Jorabat–Shillong Expressway (NH-40) in Meghalaya, confirming field-level feasibility. A patent for the technology has been filed, and multiple industries have been on boarded for commercial deployment
The roads constructed using this technology will involve lesser budget, have a more sustainable lifespan, and will also be free from the hazard of causing environmental pollution
Bio-bitumen addresses multiple challenges simultaneously, from stubble management and environmental protection to reduction in imports. India currently imports nearly 50% of its bitumen requirement, and innovations like bio-bitumen would significantly reduce foreign dependence while strengthening domestic capabilities
There is an economic potential of replacing imported bitumen worth Rs 25,000–30,000 crore annually
Pyrolysis of biomass yields multiple value streams, bio-binder for roads, energy-efficient gaseous fuel, bio-pesticide fractions, and high-grade carbon suitable for batteries, water purification, and advanced materials, making the process emission-free, cost-effective, and future-ready