Plastic Roads

New tech to use waste plastic for road construction

DH News Service Bangalore 9apr02

A new technology developed by a team of entrepreneurs to use waste plastic for construction of roads has caught the Government's attention, which is contemplating to utilise this innovative method extensively across the State.

Bangalore-based K K Polyflex, a firm manufacturing plastic goods, came up with the technology, which also addressed the problem of disposal of plastic waste in an environmental friendly manner. The Centre for Transportation Engineering and Civil department of Bangalore University carried out tests about its strength and durability.

The newly-laid road using the new technology in Ullal near Bangalore was inspected by Chief Minister S M Krishna today. In his address, Chief Minister S M Krishna said that the Government would consider setting up small plants for mixing waste plastic and bituminous mix for road construction. Mr Krishna who was impressed with the quality of road, indicated that the technology should be exploited and used for laying of roads.

Pointing out that the universities have given their certification to this new method, the chief minister said the government should not have any problem in utilising it. Prof C E G Justo, who briefed the gathering about the new technology, said plastic bags have been causing great concern as they are not bio- degradable.

But, waste plastic proved to be good for construction of road as it increases the life of roads three-fold. This apart, the frequency of road repairs would be reduced as the chances of seepage of rain water is minimised due to presence of plastic.

However, he said that cost of road construction was slightly higher compared to the conventional method. This should not deter the adoption of the technology as the benefits are much higher than the cost, he added.