Union Minister of State (IC) for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh has urged states to adopt steel slag–based road technologies to build stronger and longer-lasting roads, particularly in hilly and Himalayan regions where weather and terrain take a heavy toll on infrastructure. Speaking at an agreement-signing event, he said the technology has delivered strong results but remains underused due to a lack of awareness among road agencies.
The partnership between the Technology Development Board (TDB) and Ramuka Global Eco Work Pvt Ltd will enable the commercial rollout of ECOFIX, a ready-to-use pothole repair mix developed by CSIR–CRRI. Made from processed iron and steel slag, the material can be applied even in wet or waterlogged conditions, helping authorities carry out faster repairs with minimal traffic disruption.
Pilot projects in Gujarat and the Northeast have shown improved durability and lower lifecycle costs compared to conventional methods. To boost adoption, Singh announced a two-day workshop in Jammu & Kashmir next week, followed by similar programmes across the country. A dedicated slag processing facility is planned, with commercial production expected by end-2027.
