NHAI to Use Desilted River Material for Bihar Road Projects, Says Gadkari

Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari told reporters that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will incorporate desilted river material into its road construction programmes in Bihar. The statement was made during a briefing on the ministry's ongoing efforts to optimise resource use for infrastructure projects.\n\nUsing river‑silt that has been removed during desilting operations is expected to reduce the need for conventional aggregates, lower project costs and minimise environmental impact. Officials said the approach aligns with the government's broader push for sustainable construction practices.\n\nNHAI officials will identify suitable desilted material from ongoing river‑bank cleaning works and transport it to designated construction sites across the state. The agency plans to roll out the practice on a pilot basis for several upcoming highway stretches, with the aim of expanding it if the initial results prove satisfactory.