CSIR-CRRI’s MSS+ Technology – Green Road Construction in Uttar Pradesh

MSS+ Technology and Current Road Construction Technologies in India

1. MSS+ Technology

Developer: CSIR–Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI), New Delhi, in collaboration with J.M.V.D. Industries (2021)
Inventor: Mr. Satish Pandey (Senior Principal Scientist, CRRI)

Key Features

• Cold Mix Process: Does not require heating of aggregate or bitumen.

• Material: Uses specially formulated bitumen emulsion with modifiers.

• Layer Thickness: 30 mm (as used in PMGSY Uttar Pradesh projects).

• Weather Independence: Can be laid in all seasons, unlike hot mix which is weather-dependent.

• Environmental Benefits:

  • No burning of fuel for heating → lower CO₂ emissions.

  • Reduced VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) release.

• Performance: Demonstrated better rut resistance and durability compared to conventional methods; first road near Lucknow (2022) performed well for 3 years.

• Adoption: Being used in 202 km of rural roads in UP under PMGSY (2025).

2. Current Mainstream Road Construction Technologies

a) Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA)

• Process: Bitumen and aggregates heated to 150–170°C and mixed; laid and compacted while hot.

• Advantages:

  • Long-established, well-understood performance.

  • Good initial bonding between binder and aggregates.

• Limitations:

  • Requires high fuel consumption → high carbon footprint.

  • Seasonal restrictions (not ideal in rainy or very cold conditions).

  • Higher operational costs due to heating.

b) Cold Mix Technology (Conventional)

• Process: Bitumen emulsion used at ambient temperature; no heating.

• Advantages:

  • Lower energy consumption and emissions.

  • Suitable for patch repairs and low-traffic rural roads.

• Limitations:

  • Lower initial strength compared to HMA.

  • Slower curing; may not match heavy traffic durability without modifications.

c) Waste & Recycled Material-based Technologies

• Examples:

  • Plastic waste modified bitumen (MoRTH guidelines – up to 8% waste plastic)

  • Fly ash in embankments

  • Construction & Demolition waste recycling

• Advantages: Promotes circular economy; reduces landfill burden.

• Limitations: Requires strict quality control and regional adaptability.

3. How MSS+ Differs from Conventional Cold Mix

• Infrastructure Push: Supports PMGSY, Bharatmala, and state-level rural connectivity programs.

• Climate Commitments: Aligns with India's Net Zero 2070 goal and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, Infrastructure) + SDG 13 (Climate Action).

• Scalability: Can be deployed in both rural and urban road projects; particularly beneficial for difficult weather terrains.