India’s Bio-Bitumen Milestone

India’s Bio-bitumen Milestone

January 8, 2026

Kamaraj IAS Academy

Prelims Plus

Subject: GS Paper III (Economy & Environment - Infrastructure)
The News: India has become the first country to commercially produce bio-bitumen from biomass (agricultural waste) for road construction.
Background Data:
What is Bitumen? Traditionally a petroleum byproduct (asphalt) used to bind road materials. India currently imports about 50% of its bitumen.
Bio-Bitumen Benefits: Developed using CSIR-IIP technology, it converts paddy straw and stubble into binder material. This addresses stubble burning (air pollution) and reduces crude oil import bills.
Waste-to-Wealth initiatives, "Atmanirbhar Bharat" in infrastructure, and carbon footprint reduction in the transport sector.