Chennai: CSIR–Central Road Research Institute and JSW Steel Limited, Salem Works, entered into a partnership to develop steel slag roads in Tamil Nadu.
The agreement was signed on January 24, 2026. It focused on using steel slag as a road construction material. Steel slag is an industrial by-product. The initiative supports sustainable and eco-friendly infrastructure.
Moreover, the project aligns with the national vision of “From Waste to Wealth.” It also supports government policies on resource efficiency. In addition, it aims to reduce the carbon footprint of public infrastructure projects.
Under the collaboration, CSIR-CRRI will provide technical expertise. Meanwhile, JSW Steel Salem Works will supply processed steel slag. Together, they will promote scientific valorisation of steel slag for road construction.
JSW Steel entered the partnership under a sponsored research project with CSIR-CRRI. The project focuses on converting Electric Optimization Furnace and Ladle Refining Furnace steel slag. These materials will be processed into aggregates for bituminous roads.
Steel slag roads set for first rollout in Tamil Nadu
The memorandum of agreement signing took place at JSW Steel Limited, Salem Works. Dr N Kalaiselvi, Director General of CSIR and Secretary, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, attended the event. During her address, she highlighted the national impact of Steel Slag Road® technology.
She said CSIR-CRRI has already implemented steel slag roads in several states. Companies such as AMNS India, Tata Steel, JSW Steel, RINL, Jindal Steel, and Arjas Steel adopted the technology. However, this project marks its first use in Tamil Nadu.
CSIR-CRRI Director Dr Chalumuri Ravi Sekhar and Shri B N S Prakash Rao formally exchanged the agreement. Senior CSIR-CRRI officials, including Dr Vinod Karar and Mr Satish Pandey, were present. Senior JSW Steel Salem Works officials also attended the ceremony.
The project will begin with laboratory testing of steel slag. Subsequently, teams will develop customised processing methods. A demonstration road will then be built near Salem. Finally, long-term monitoring will assess field performance.
Officials said the initiative would reduce the use of natural aggregates. As a result, it would also cut industrial waste. Furthermore, it would lower emissions from road construction.
CSIR-CRRI said the partnership supports Aatmanirbhar Bharat goals. It is also expected to serve as a model for other steel plants nationwide.
