The Centre has formulated a plan to use natural rubber in roads, as recommended by experts. The use of natural rubber-modified bitumen has been specified by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways for binder courses and wearing courses laid on National Highways, an official statement said..
The Central Road Research Institute (CRRI) has tested the use of modified bitumen, including natural rubber—modified bitumen, in construction and maintenance of roads under the ministry's sponsored research scheme.
According to the findings of the study, natural rubber—modified bitumen improves the durability of roads by reducing susceptibility toward temperature variations and improving the desirable properties of bitumen, thereby improving overall performance. As per the decision of the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, modified bitumen may be used for the surfacing of entire National Highways.
