India is embracing a bold and vibrant approach to sustainable infrastructure in a striking departure from traditional road construction methods. Bengal, known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, has unveiled the country’s first-ever eco-friendly road, affectionately dubbed the ‘Dark Blue Road.’ This groundbreaking project promises to revolutionise urban infrastructure and addresses the pressing issues of plastic waste and pollution.

Nestled in the picturesque Uchalan Gram Panchayat of Raina, East Bardhaman, West Bengal, the ‘Dark Blue Road’ stretches like a captivating ribbon, spanning 350 meters from the Ekalakshmi Toll Plaza to the majestic Rauthara Bridge. But what truly sets this road apart is its unconventional construction material—mixed plastic waste. Yes, you read that right—plastic waste! This audacious initiative aims to combat the menace of plastic pollution while showcasing the endless possibilities of sustainable development.

The ‘Dark Blue Road’ has swiftly become a magnet for curious onlookers and adventurous travellers alike. Its unique blue hue has transformed the village of Uchalan into an unexpected tourist hotspot. In a grand inauguration ceremony attended by West Bengal’s Panchayat and Rural Development Minister, Pradeep Majumdar, the road symbolises the government’s unwavering commitment to environmental protection and cost-effective construction practices. By utilising cutting-edge technology, this trailblazing project manages to reduce the consumption of molten bitumen by a whopping 10 percent. And all this while being easy on the pocket, with a total project cost of ₹22.94 lakhs.

However, creating the ‘Dark Blue Road’ was no solo endeavour. Engineers from Bengal joined hands with technical experts from Dubai and received invaluable assistance from the All-India Roads Association. Their collaborative efforts paved the way for an eco-friendly alternative to traditional asphalt roads. This road stands tall as a durable and sustainable masterpiece by ingeniously repurposing plastic waste and blending it with bitumen and other materials.

The ‘Dark Blue Road’ is more than just a single project—it is an emblem of Bengal’s unwavering commitment to sustainable development and environmental conservation. The state has taken giant strides in combating plastic waste through many initiatives. From state-of-the-art recycling plants to effective waste segregation systems and vibrant awareness campaigns, Bengal promotes alternatives to single-use plastics.

But Bengal is not alone in its quest for eco-friendly road construction. In 2022, the vibrant city of Bengaluru made a resounding statement by unveiling its first road constructed entirely from recycled plastic. This remarkable feat realised through a partnership between PotHoleRaja and Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike, stands as a beacon of hope for a greener future. The road provides a practical solution to traffic congestion, reducing commute time along the ORR IT belt by 30 minutes, and it also serves as a testament to Bengaluru’s determination to combat plastic pollution head-on.

Not to be outdone, the state of Kerala has embarked on its journey towards sustainability. Through a groundbreaking collaboration between the Public Works Department (PWD) of Kerala and the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, a remarkable 246-kilometre road network has been constructed using recycled plastic. This innovative approach involves shredding plastic waste into smaller pieces, which are then blended with bitumen to create a robust road material.

Indian road construction has undergone a mesmerising transformation, where blue has become the new green. The ‘Dark Blue Road’ in Bengal, alongside Bengaluru’s plastic wonder and Kerala’s plastic roads, showcases the power of innovation in combating plastic waste and embracing sustainable practices. These trailblazing projects serve as awe-inspiring landmarks and remind us of our collective responsibility to protect our environment and create a greener future.