BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 20th January 2026: In a significant and eco-friendly initiative, South Tripura district has witnessed the construction of its first road using plastic waste. The project is being implemented under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) in the Shantirbazar subdivision, where a nearly three-kilometre-long road is being built from Gabin Bari to Anurampura.
Constructed at an estimated cost of around ₹4 crore, the road is expected to greatly improve connectivity for residents of eight tribal-dominated hamlets in the area. Once completed, it will make daily travel safer, smoother, and more convenient for local people.
For years, residents of the region had been facing severe communication problems. During the monsoon season, movement along the dilapidated mud road became almost impossible. Local residents believe that the new road will significantly ease access to education, healthcare services, markets, and administrative offices.
This marks the first instance in South Tripura where plastic waste is being used in road construction, an initiative taken by the Shantirbazar Public Works Department (PWD). Executive Engineer Partha Tripura stated that the primary objective of the project is to bring remote and marginalised habitations of the state into the mainstream of development. He also mentioned that he received training on modern plastic-road construction technology after attending a specialised workshop in Kolkata.
In this project, 8 percent plastic waste has been blended with 92 percent bitumen. This technique strengthens the bonding of bitumen, enhancing the durability and load-bearing capacity of the road. Experts believe that the reuse of plastic waste in this manner will also play a crucial role in reducing environmental pollution.
According to the Executive Engineer, roads constructed using this technology are more durable than conventional roads and require lower maintenance costs. Encouraged by the success of this project, the department is planning to construct more environment-friendly plastic roads in other parts of South Tripura in the future.
Local residents have warmly welcomed the initiative, stating that it not only improves connectivity but also sets a new example in environmental conservation and sustainable development.
