The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has transferred an indigenous bio-bitumen technology for large-scale industry adoption, marking a significant step towards sustainable and circular infrastructure development.
The technology, “Bio-Bitumen from Lignocellulosic Biomass – From Farm Residue to Roads”, was formally transferred during a Technology Transfer Event organised in New Delhi.
Jointly developed by CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI) and CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum (CSIR-IIP), the innovation enables the production of bio-bitumen using agricultural biomass and crop residues as feedstock.
The process involves thermochemical conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to create a renewable and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional petroleum-based bitumen.
Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, described the development as a “historic and transformative step” that connects agriculture with infrastructure and innovation.
The use of farm residue for high-value infrastructure applications also offers additional income opportunities for farmers while reducing stubble burning and environmental pollution.
The minister further highlighted that the adoption of bio-bitumen aligns with India’s climate commitments, Net Zero targets, Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, National Bio-Energy Mission, and broader circular economy frameworks.
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Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Jitendra Singh, said the initiative reflects India’s push towards self-reliance and clean energy transition under the “Waste to Wealth” principle.
He noted that the technology demonstrates convergence between agriculture, science and technology, and infrastructure development, supported by public-private partnerships.
According to him, the bio-bitumen has shown promising performance in terms of durability and compatibility with conventional bitumen, while also reducing the overall carbon footprint, making it suitable for large-scale use in national highway projects.
Dr N Kalaiselvi, Director General, CSIR and Secretary, DSIR, said the development represents a shift from petro-based to bio-based materials and reiterated CSIR’s commitment to delivering technologies for national development.
The technology has been developed over several years of research and has demonstrated performance equivalent to conventional bitumen while offering environmental and economic benefits, according to the Ministry of Agriculture.
It has been designed for adoption by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) in road construction.
The breakthrough directly addresses two key national challenges – pollution arising from agricultural waste and increasing dependence on imported bitumen – by providing a renewable, low-carbon alternative.
