CSIR transfers indigenous bio-bitumen technology that turns crop residue into road binder
On 30 March 2026 Dr Jitendra Singh said bio-bitumen from crop residue, using technology by CSIR-CRRI and CSIR-IIP, could save India about ₹40,000 crore of imports a year.
Summary
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said on 30 March 2026 that crop residue converted into bio-bitumen could save India about ₹40,000 crore in imports annually. The indigenous technology was developed by CSIR–Central Road Research Institute (CRRI), New Delhi, and CSIR–Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP), Dehradun. India produces nearly 600 million tonnes of crop residue a year and needs about 88 lakh tonnes of bitumen annually, of which 50–58% is imported.
Key facts
- Technology
- Bio-bitumen from crop residue
- Developed by
- CSIR-CRRI (New Delhi) and CSIR-IIP (Dehradun)
- Possible saving
- About ₹40,000 crore of imports a year
- Crop residue
- Nearly 600 million tonnes a year
- Bitumen need
- About 88 lakh tonnes a year; 50–58% imported
Practice MCQs 1 questions
The indigenous bio-bitumen technology highlighted in March 2026 was developed by CSIR–Indian Institute of Petroleum, Dehradun, and which other CSIR lab?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — CSIR–Central Road Research Institute
The technology was developed by CSIR–Central Road Research Institute (CRRI), New Delhi, and CSIR–IIP, Dehradun.