Maharashtra Government’s Public Works Department (PWD), Nagpur region, for the first time successfully utilised waste plastic for making a new bitumen macadam road. PWD’s Division no 2’s endeavour was to make environment-friendly road as part of 100-day target set by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The road was laid on Selu-Kalam stretch in Kalmeshwar tehsil. Usage of polymers prepared from waste plastic is well documented for usage in road making. Off late, many Government organisations are using the plastic polymers as same helps in bringing down the cost of making roads. Based on the policy, PWD first held a camp to train the contractors and their men in how to effectively blend the plastic polymers and explained the entire process.

 

The bitumen macadam mixture was prepared in hot mix plant and once it was certified, the polymers were added in required quantity maintain the ration in proper manner. The electronic machinery deployed at the site ensured proper synchronisation of all the materials. About 38 engineers of PWD were present as it was done to ensure they too are acquainted with the knowledge now that plastic polymers usage is going to increase in coming days. Chandrashekhar Giri, Executive Engineer, PWD Division no 2, Nagpur region, said that the usage of polymers with bitumen mixture will also help in increasing the stability of new roads and increased its life span. Deputy Engineer Rupesh Bodade was tasked with organising the training camp while the contract for road making was awarded to Ashok Budhraja.