World's First Plastic Road In Delhi: What Is Geocell Technology?
Geocell tech uses 9x9x9 inch boxes filled with bitumen mix; 30 tonnes of plastic waste can build a 100-metre road, offering a smart solution for reusing discarded plastic
In a landmark move, Delhi is set to get its first plastic road, marking a major step forward in sustainable infrastructure. Experts believe it could be the world's first of its kind. The road is being constructed using discarded plastic waste, transforming everyday garbage into a durable, ready-to-use surface.
Bharat Petroleum, in collaboration with the Central Road Research Institute (CRRI), is spearheading this development using geocell technology.
Following rigorous testing, an application for a patent will be filed, indicating that this method might be the first of its kind globally. Scientists from Bharat Petroleum and CRRI involved in the project consider it a major achievement.
Experts assert that plastic waste is a global issue, and repurposing such waste for road construction could significantly contribute to national development. Furthermore, India could assist other countries if this technology proves successful, setting a global precedent.
What Is Geocell technology?
The plastic road is being constructed near the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, specifically by loop number one close to Sarai Kale Khan.
Geocell technology involves creating boxes with dimensions of 9 inches by 9 inches by 9 inches, which are then filled with bitumen mix material for road construction. Approximately 30 tonnes of unusable plastic can be utilised to construct a 100-metre road, ensuring effective use of plastic waste.
Plastic Waste Can Be Put To Good Use
According to Dr. Mahesh, Chief Manager at Bharat Petroleum, plastic waste often left in landfills can be repurposed, reducing landfill accumulation.
Dr. Gagandeep, Senior Principal Scientist at CRRI, working on the project, highlights that this is the first experiment of its kind. It promises to extend the lifespan of roads, prevent deterioration, mitigate plastic pollution, and create employment opportunities.
The initiative aims to strengthen roads and eliminate the problem of non-recyclable plastic waste in the country. The Government of India has requested a detailed report on this groundbreaking project.
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First Published:
July 15, 2025, 17:40 IST
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'Really cool' But first, how does sustained effort build up to cognitive fatigue, and how does it affect decisions about exerting further effort? To answer these questions, the researchers recruited healthy volunteers to repeatedly perform a working memory task. These individuals focused on a screen flashing different letters one by one. In the easy version of the task, they had to recall if the current letter matched the preceding one. As the task got harder, volunteers had to recall if the current letter matched with those displayed anywhere between two to six letters prior. After performing the harder tasks many times in a row, participants reported feeling fatigued. Next, the participants were offered two choices: easy version of the task for less money or difficult version of the task for more money. Fatigued participants chose the easy option even if it meant earning less money, whereas they opted for harder tasks for more money when they were rested. 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The researchers also reported a peculiar observation: while participants reported feeling fatigued as they performed the hard tasks repeatedly, their performance didn't dip. The researchers interpreted this to mean that as people performed harder tasks, the fatigue made them pick easier tasks rather than compromise their performance. Dr. Wiehler, who wasn't part of the study, agreed: 'When the stakes are high and the benefits are clear, such as in this study, people can still use cognitive resources despite needing elevated effort. However, when benefits are uncertain or subjective, like in market decisions, the increased cost leads to behavioural changes.' We have all experienced this in our daily lives: when a deadline looms, we push ourselves harder to finish a task at hand despite needing more effort. The study also opens new questions. 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The new study is a step towards developing ways to manage fatigue by understanding how it affects effort and decision-making in the brain. How can we avoid fatigue skewing our daily decisions? Dr. Chib advised being 'mindful about taking breaks. While we haven't directly tested it, reframing tasks can also help.' The next time you catch yourself making a poor but easy choice while mentally tired, you know it's time for a break. Sheetal Potdar has a PhD in neuroscience and works as a science writer.
