Roads in and around Vizag to be constructed using plastic waste

Visakhapatnam: In a significant move towards sustainable urban development, Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) has resolved to construct all roads in Visakhapatnam using plastic waste. This decision has been taken during a high-level meeting with the state government. It reflects a broader commitment to environmental responsibility and innovation in infrastructure.

VMRDA commissioner K.S. Viswanathan told Deccan Chronicle that the central government had issued orders on November 26, mandating use of plastic waste in road construction, particularly in the wearing coat for service and slip roads on national highways. This directive applies specifically to areas within a 50-kilometre radius of urban centres with populations exceeding 5 lakhs and includes periodic renewal coats for main carriageways.

In line with these guidelines, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed construction of 15 link roads connecting to the national highway before the inauguration of Bhogapuram International Airport. Various authorities will manage these roads, including VMRDA, Roads and Buildings and Panchayat Raj departments, and GVMC, ensuring a coordinated effort across different jurisdictions.

Commissioner Viswanathan made it clear that road construction contracts will only be awarded to contractors who agree to use plastic waste in their projects. However, plastic will not be the sole material. Only non-recyclable plastic waste, constituting up to eight per cent of the total blend, will be utilised and integrated into the mix alongside asphalt and gravel. This practice will help manage plastic waste and reduce overall construction costs.

Road Transport and Highways ministry has outlined several key steps to maximise the incorporation of waste plastic. During the project preparation phase, detailed project report (DPR) consultants are required to identify sources of waste plastic, assess the available quantities, and evaluate their properties as specified in IRC: SP:98 Guidelines for use of waste plastic in hot bituminous mixes. This evaluation is mandatory for both urban and rural projects.

The benefits of using plastic waste in road construction are manifold. Plastic waste added to the mix with asphalt and gravel improves road durability. Typically, asphalt roads have a lifespan of about four years. But roads mixed with plastic waste can extend their life by another five years. Additionally, plastic-mixed roads prevent water penetration, reducing the rate of deterioration during rains.

Commissioner Viswanathan pointed out that utilising non-recyclable waste for road construction also keeps it out of the environment, thereby protecting it.