CSIR-CRRI, New Delhi, OSEPL and Ooms India Demonstrate Landmark 60% RAP Technology on NH-716
CSIR-CRRI, OSEPL, and Ooms India successfully demonstrated 60% Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) technology on National Highway-716 in Chennai–Tirupati, showcasing how existing road materials can be recycled and reused in new pavement construction. The demonstration included the indigenous REJUBIT rejuvenation technology and the complete recycling chain from recovery to field laying, representing a milestone in sustainable and circular road construction in India.
Why It Matters
Relevant to UPSC and state-PSC exams as it covers government-led infrastructure development, sustainable construction practices, and indigenous technology development under the Ministry of Science & Technology. Also relevant for understanding India's circular economy initiatives and resource conservation in public works.
In Simple Words
CSIR-CRRI, OSEPL and Ooms India successfully tested using 60% Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) — recycled material from old roads — in new road construction on NH-716 near Chennai-Tirupati. This reduces the need for fresh raw materials like bitumen and aggregates.
The demonstration used REJUBIT, an indigenous rejuvenator developed by CSIR-CRRI and Ooms India, to restore the recycled material’s properties, marking a step from lab research to real highway construction.
“This field demonstration marks an important step towards advancing sustainable and circular road construction in India. RAP should not be viewed merely as waste; it is an engineering resource containing valuable aggregate and bitumen that can be scientifically recovered, rejuvenated and reused.”
Key Points
- 60% RAP successfully demonstrated on NH-716, Chennai–Tirupati Package-I
- REJUBIT is an indigenous RAP rejuvenator jointly developed by CSIR-CRRI and Ooms India
- RAP utilisation reduces requirement for virgin aggregates and bitumen
- Demonstration included RAP recovery, processing, characterisation, rejuvenation, mix design, hot-mix production, laying and compaction
- Collaborative effort by CSIR-CRRI, Oriental Structural Engineers Private Limited (OSEPL), and Ooms India
- Dr. Ambika Behl led the project as Scientist F, CSIR-CRRI
- Attended by senior officials from NHAI and Government of Tamil Nadu
Exam Angle
A. REJUBIT is an indigenous RAP (Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement) rejuvenator jointly developed by CSIR-CRRI and Ooms India.
Source: Press Information Bureau