The Maharashtra Public Works Department (PWD) is deploying steel slag, a by-product of steel manufacturing, in repair works along the Mumbai–Goa highway as part of efforts to improve road durability ahead of the Ganeshotsav festival. This innovative material is being used to fill potholes and strengthen sections of the carriageway, offering a more sustainable and long-lasting solution compared with conventional repair methods.
Steel slag is valued for its strength, high load-bearing capacity and skid resistance, qualities that make it particularly suitable for highways with heavy vehicular traffic. The adoption of this material marks a shift towards utilising industrial by-products in infrastructure projects, aligning with broader sustainability objectives while reducing the environmental burden of waste disposal.
Officials from the PWD highlighted that steel slag has already been tested successfully in road construction and repair projects across several states, where it has demonstrated notable resistance to wear and weathering. Its inclusion in the Mumbai–Goa highway project is expected to extend the road’s lifespan, reduce maintenance costs, and enhance driving safety during peak traffic periods, especially around festive seasons when traffic volumes rise significantly.
The Mumbai–Goa highway is one of the state’s busiest transport corridors, serving as a vital link for tourism, trade and local communities. By incorporating steel slag into the repair process, the PWD aims to deliver a smoother and more reliable travel experience while also showcasing the benefits of circular economy practices in infrastructure development.
Industry experts have welcomed the move, noting that wider adoption of steel slag in road construction could transform the durability of India’s highways while contributing to sustainable growth in the steel and infrastructure sectors.
