**Executive Summary**
On March 26, 2026, CSIR-CRRI, the Institute of Indian Foundrymen (IIF), and Suyog Elements signed a collaborative R&D agreement to utilize Waste Foundry Sand (WFS) in road construction. The initiative aims to transform industrial waste from the Coimbatore foundry cluster into sustainable infrastructure materials, supporting India's circular economy vision. The project focuses on scientific validation and the development of processing protocols to reduce dependency on natural aggregates.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Collaborative Partnership**
* CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI), IIF, and Suyog Elements have entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to develop scalable solutions for industrial waste utilization.
* The partnership seeks to create a framework for industry-research synergy to accelerate the adoption of eco-friendly materials in national infrastructure.
* The initiative is modeled after the successful "Steel Slag Road" technology for waste-to-wealth conversion.
**Technical Research and Development**
* The project involves a structured research program to characterize different types of foundry sand, specifically green sand and resin-bonded sand.
* CSIR-CRRI will lead the development of customized processing and utilization protocols specifically suited for road construction requirements.
* Technical expertise and scientific validation will be provided by CSIR-CRRI to ensure the durability and safety of the new materials.
**Environmental and Industrial Goals**
* The project addresses the disposal and environmental management challenges faced by the Coimbatore foundry cluster, which comprises 800–1000 units.
* Key objectives include promoting sustainable construction practices and significantly reducing the industry’s reliance on natural aggregates.
* The initiative supports the Government of India’s broader vision for green infrastructure and resource efficiency.
**Impact Analysis**
**CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI)**
**Impact**
Positions the institute as a leader in innovative road technologies and reinforces its commitment to circular economy practices.
**Action Required**
Provide technical expertise, conduct scientific validation of materials, and establish standardized utilization protocols.
**Institute of Indian Foundrymen (IIF)**
**Impact**
Provides member foundry units, particularly in the Coimbatore cluster, with a sustainable and scientific method for disposing of large-scale sand waste.
**Action Required**
Facilitate industry outreach, disseminate technical knowledge to foundry units, and coordinate with the Coimbatore cluster.
**Suyog Elements India Pvt. Ltd.**
**Impact**
Establishes the company as a key contributor to the implementation and commercial scaling of sustainable infrastructure technologies.
**Action Required**
Contribute to the practical implementation and scaling of developed technologies for road construction.
**Infrastructure and Road Sector Stakeholders**
**Impact**
Benefit from the availability of alternative, eco-friendly construction materials that reduce environmental footprints.
**Action Required**
Adopt science-driven protocols and integrate industrial by-products into infrastructure development projects.
Key Entities Referenced
CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI): The primary research institute spearheading the R&D and technical validation for utilizing Waste Foundry Sand in road construction.
Institute of Indian Foundrymen (IIF): The national industry body collaborating to provide waste material and facilitate industry outreach for sustainable infrastructure projects.
Dr. N. Kalaiselvi: Director General of CSIR and Secretary DSIR, who is driving the strategic vision of integrating industrial waste into India’s circular economy.
Suyog Elements India Pvt. Ltd.: The private sector partner responsible for the implementation and scaling of the developed waste-to-wealth road technologies.
Coimbatore Cluster: India’s largest foundry cluster identified as the primary source of waste material for the initial road infrastructure project.
Ministry of Science & Technology
Integrating Industrial Waste into Road
Construction is Key to India’s Circular Economy
Vision - Dr. N. Kalaiselvi
Turning Foundry Waste into Roads: CSIR-CRRI, IIF, and
Suyog Elements Join Hands for Sustainable Infrastructure
Posted On: 26 MAR 2026 5:59PM by PIB Delhi
In a significant step towards sustainable infrastructure and circular economy practices, CSIR-Central Road
Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI) is spearheading efforts for the effective utilization of Waste Foundry
Sand (WFS) in road construction.
To advance this initiative, the Institute of Indian Foundrymen (IIF) has entered into a collaborative
Research & Development (R&D) agreement with CSIR-CRRI and Suyog Elements at CSIR Science
Centre New-Delhi, under the gracious presence of Secretary DSIR and Director General CSIR, Dr.
N.Kalaiselvi . The partnership aims to develop and facilitate innovative, sustainable, and scalable
solutions for the utilization of the WFS of Coimbatore Cluster in road infrastructure.
Exchange of MOA between the CSIR-CRRI, IIF and Suyog Elements India Pvt. Ltd.
During this event, while addressing the gathering, Dr. Kalaiselvi informed that“The utilization of industrial by-products like Waste Foundry Sand in road construction reflects CSIR’s
commitment to sustainable development and circular economy. Collaborative R&D initiatives such as this
will help transform waste into valuable resources while supporting the nation’s infrastructure growth.”
Dr. N.Kalaiselvi, DG CSIR and Secretary DSIR, addressing the gathering at CSIR Science Centre
Waste Foundry Sand, a by-product of the metal casting industry, poses environmental challenges due to its
large-scale generation and disposal requirements. Leveraging this material in road construction aligns with
national priorities on resource efficiency, waste minimization, and sustainable development.
Adding further, the Director of CSIR-Central Road Research Institute Dr. Ch. Ravi Sekhar said that
“CSIR-CRRI has been at the forefront of developing sustainable and innovative road technologies. The
utilization of Waste Foundry Sand is a significant step toward transforming industrial by-products into
valuable construction materials.
Speaking on this occasion Mr. Sushil Sharma, President, IIF informed that the “Coimbatore foundry
cluster is India’s largest foundry cluster, comprising nearly 800–1000 foundry units, which is supplying
castings to various domestic sectors and export markets. However, it also generates significant quantities
of foundry sand waste, creating challenges in disposal and environmental management. This project aims
to address these challenges by enabling the scientific reuse of foundry sand in road construction, thereby
converting waste into a valuable infrastructure resource”.
Mr. Satish Pandey, Senior Principal Scientist and Head Flexible Pavement Division of CRRI, who is
leading this project, informed that this collaboration “aims for a structured research program, involving
characterization of different types of foundry sand, including green sand and resin bonded sand, and
developing customized processing and utilisation protocols suited for road construction. CSIR CRRI
scientific endeavour will be to replicate the successful model of Steel Slag Road technology for waste to
wealth conversion for foundry industries as well.
This initiative is expected to:
Promote environmentally sustainable road construction practices
Reduce dependency on natural aggregatesProvide an effective solution for industrial waste management
Support the Government of India’s vision of circular economy and green infrastructure
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Vinod Karar, Chief Scientist and Head TMBD, CRRI highlighted that
“under this collaborative project, CSIR-CRRI will provide technical expertise and scientific validation,
while IIF will facilitate industry outreach and knowledge dissemination. Suyog Elements will contribute to
the implementation and scaling of the developed technologies.”
Dr. N.Kalaiselvi, DG CSIR with CRRI, IIF and Suyog elements officials
This partnership represents a crucial step toward transforming industrial waste into valuable construction
resources, reinforcing CSIR-CRRI’s leadership in innovative road technologies. The collaboration is
poised to create a strong framework for industry-research synergy and accelerate the adoption of eco-
friendly materials in infrastructure development across the country.
The event was attended by the senior officials of The Institute of Indian Foundrymen, including Mr.
Prayut Bhamawat, Hon-Secretary, S Muthukumar, Hon. Treasurer, Dr. Sheela Bhide, Advisor, Dr.
Abhishikta Roychowdhury, Executive Director, Dr Rajesh Goel, Chairman, IIF Delhi Chapter Sanjeev
Kumar, Director - FIC and IIF Northern Region Basant Kumar, Joint Director, FIC, Delhi Chief
Scientists of CRRI, comprising Dr. K. Ravinder, Dr. Nasim Akhtar, Dr. P.S. Prasad, Dr. Pradeep Kumar,
industry representatives from Suyog Elements India Pvt. Ltd. Shri Yogesh Varsada, President, Mr.
Jeel Varsada, Vice President and Mr. Naresh Tahilramani, Vice President, and stakeholders from the road
and steel sectors, highlighting the growing importance of science-driven solutions for sustainable
infrastructure development in India.
******
NKR/AK/NM
(Release ID: 2245715) Visitor Counter : 442
Read this release in: Urdu , ही , Gujarati