India has taken another significant step in sustainable infrastructure as Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) unveiled the world’s first steel slag road inside a port. Located within Hazira Port, the 1.1 km stretch connects the Multi-Purpose Berth (MPB-1) to the coal yard, setting a new benchmark in eco-conscious logistics and construction.
What makes this road unique is its use of processed steel slag, a byproduct from steel manufacturing, as its primary aggregate. This bold approach turns industrial waste into a valuable resource, fitting squarely into the nation’s larger “waste to wealth” initiative. Developed under Phase-II of the Bulk and General Cargo Terminal (BGCT) expansion, the road is a real-world application of circular economy principles and innovation-led development.
Designed in collaboration with CSIR-CRRI and the Union Ministry of Science and Technology, the flexible pavement structure offers superior load-bearing capabilities while reducing environmental impact. According to experts, the road not only enhances durability and lifespan but also cuts down construction costs compared to traditional methods. By repurposing steel slag, the project diverts waste from landfills and showcases a model of green engineering that others around the world can emulate.
The road was officially inaugurated by Dr Vijay Kumar Saraswat, Member of NITI Aayog (Science and Technology), along with other eminent figures including Dr N Kalaiselvi, Director-General of CSIR and Secretary of DSIR, and Dr Manoranjan Parida, Director of CSIR-CRRI and President of the Indian Roads Congress. Their presence underscored the national importance of this innovation. Also present was Satish Pandey, the senior scientist who pioneered the steel slag road technology, alongside Adani Hazira Port COO Anand Marathe and several distinguished scientists and stakeholders.
This project marks India’s third steel slag road, but importantly, it is the first of its kind ever built within a port. That distinction places India firmly at the forefront of sustainable maritime infrastructure globally. The success of the Hazira project demonstrates how industrial ecology and innovation can coexist with growth and efficiency, setting new standards in the logistics and port sector.
APSEZ’s latest achievement is more than a local milestone. It is a bold statement about India’s vision for resilient, resource-efficient infrastructure. With initiatives like this, India continues to show how environmental responsibility can be seamlessly integrated with large-scale industrial operations.
As the nation pushes forward with ambitious infrastructure goals, the steel slag road at Hazira stands as a shining example of what’s possible when science, industry, and sustainability align with purpose.