NHAI attempts to regenerate bitumen on the Chennai-Tirupathi National Highway section

The technology, developed two years ago, has so far been tested in small areas. (representative photo) | Photo credit: K. MURALI KUMAR

The 1 km long controlled access section of the Chennai-Tirupathi State Highway, which is currently being widened, has been laid using 60% asphalt pavement that has been reclaimed from the old road and rejuvenated. This successful field demonstration of bitumen was made possible by technology developed by CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI).

The top bituminous layer of the road, which has been in use for several years, loses its elasticity. CSIR – CRRI has developed a rejuvenating additive that can be added to cold milled material to strengthen it for reuse in road construction, explained Chalumuri Ravi Sekhar, Director, CSIR – CRRI.

Although the technology was developed two years ago, it has been tested in small parts so far. Since CSIR-CRRI has transferred the technology to Ooms Polymer Modified Bitumen Pvt Ltd. (Ooms India) for commercial production, the company and Oriental Structural Engineers Private Limited (OSEPL), which is expanding the road, joined hands with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to conduct the trial.

“Indian Roads Congress (IRC) code allows reuse of 30% bitumen for road laying. Now this advancement will enable the use of 60% reclaimed material that is usually sent to landfill. In the long run, bitumen recycling will help reduce dependence on foreign exchange. We will also pass the results to SRI, CSIR, CSIR-han code, which can be explained by SRI, CSIR, IRC senior scientist. The team that developed this additive and technology includes Ambika Behl, Principal Scientist, Rajiv Kumar, Principal Scientist and Siksha Swaroopa Kar, Principal Scientist.

Scientists from the Institute recently visited the site at Tiruvallur and ensured that the methodology and procedure were used correctly. Director of Highways Research Station Venkatachalam said that Tamil Nadu reused 30% bitumen whenever possible. “60% usage seems to bring interesting possibilities. We’ll wait for the IRC Code to make it operational,” he added.

Published – 06 Sep 2026 0:12 IST