In a notable step toward sustainable infrastructure, the Andhra Pradesh government has initiated a pilot road repair project in Mandadam using an eco-friendly material known as Ecofix—a unique blend of steel slag and tar. The trial represents a significant move toward circular economy practices by utilising industrial byproducts to construct durable and cost-effective roads.
Ecofix, developed with support from local engineering teams and steel industry partners, is engineered to perform efficiently even in wet weather conditions. Unlike conventional bitumen-based repair materials, Ecofix does not require heating before application, which significantly reduces energy consumption and carbon emissions during roadworks. This characteristic also enables quicker, more flexible repairs, especially useful during monsoon seasons when road degradation typically spikes.
According to sources, the pilot project aims to test the long-term performance and scalability of steel slag in road infrastructure. Early feedback indicates that roads patched with Ecofix display superior resistance to cracking and potholes while offering a smoother driving surface. Local officials have noted the material’s potential to revolutionize road maintenance by lowering costs and extending the life of repaired surfaces.
This initiative aligns with Andhra Pradesh’s broader “wealth from waste” vision, which encourages innovative reuse of industrial waste streams. The use of steel slag, a byproduct of steel manufacturing, not only addresses solid waste management challenges but also reduces the need for fresh raw materials such as crushed stone aggregates in road construction.
Sources report that if the trial proves successful over a sustained period, the government plans to expand the use of Ecofix to other regions of the state and integrate it into standard public works procedures. The project highlights how collaboration between industry and government can deliver sustainable, high-impact infrastructure solutions with long-term environmental and economic benefits.
