Steel slag roads in Jharkhand earn NRIDA national recognition for cutting construction costs by 26%
NRIDA has been selected for the Indian Road Congress’ U.P. Medal 2025 for using industrial steel slag in 381.57 km of PMGSY roads in Jharkhand.
The Ministry and NRIDA submitted the award nomination highlighting the use of steel slag in PMGSY-III road works sanctioned in Jharkhand during 2022-23. (Representational image)
HYDERABAD: The National Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (NRIDA), under the Ministry of Rural Development, has been selected for the U.P. Medal for Innovative Technology in Roads 2025 by the Indian Road Congress, recognising its initiative to use industrial steel slag in rural road construction.
The innovation, implemented under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), has helped reduce overall construction costs by 26% across 381.57 km of road works in Jharkhand, according to the Ministry of Rural Development.
The award will be presented during the Indian Road Congress’ 85th Annual Session in Hyderabad on November 19, 2026.
The Ministry and NRIDA submitted the award nomination highlighting the use of steel slag in PMGSY-III road works sanctioned in Jharkhand during 2022-23.
Steel slag, a by-product of the steel industry, was used as an alternative construction material. The availability of steel plants in the vicinity also helped optimise transportation costs, contributing to the reduction in project expenditure.
Industrial waste finds application in rural infrastructure
The initiative demonstrates the potential to use industrial waste materials in road construction, reducing dependence on conventional construction resources while promoting resource efficiency.
The adoption of locally available and marginal materials is part of NRIDA’s efforts to encourage innovative and sustainable technologies in rural road development.
The Ministry said the recognition acknowledged the agency’s work in facilitating the adoption of green technologies under PMGSY.
Over 1.39 lakh km of roads built using sustainable technologies
The Ministry of Rural Development and NRIDA have sanctioned 1,81,923 km of road works using sustainable technologies across the country. Of this, 1,39,901 km have been completed, according to the Ministry.
The recognition is expected to encourage wider adoption of innovative construction materials and environmentally responsible practices in rural road infrastructure.
