The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has etched its name in the global record books by securing an impressive four Guinness World Records in a single day in Andhra Pradesh. The remarkable achievement, centered around the construction of a groundbreaking steel slag road, has been hailed as a monumental moment for India's infrastructure development.
A Historic Feat for Indian Infrastructure
On a landmark day for the country, the NHAI officially received recognition for four distinct world records. The crowning glory is the construction of the world's widest steel slag road section, measuring an astounding 75.3 meters at its widest point. This section is part of the 16.3-kilometer stretch on National Highway 16 (NH-16), connecting the bustling industrial hubs of Anakapalli and Visakhapatnam.
The record-breaking construction was executed under the visionary leadership of NHAI Chairman Santosh Kumar Yadav. The project was meticulously planned and completed within a tight timeframe, showcasing exceptional engineering prowess and project management. The use of steel slag, a by-product from steel plants, in such a large-scale project also highlights a significant step towards sustainable and eco-friendly infrastructure development.
Chief Minister Naidu Lauds the Achievement
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu was quick to celebrate this historic accomplishment. He took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express his pride and commend the efforts of everyone involved. In his post, CM Naidu emphasized that this achievement is a testament to the rapid progress and world-class capabilities of India's infrastructure sector under dynamic leadership.
"This remarkable feat not only sets new global benchmarks but also propels Andhra Pradesh and India onto the international stage of engineering excellence," the Chief Minister stated. He praised the NHAI team for their dedication and innovation, which have brought immense prestige to the nation.
Beyond Width: A Multifaceted Record-Setting Project
While the width of the steel slag road is the most visually striking record, the NHAI's achievement encompasses three other prestigious titles. The project also set records for:
- The largest volume of steel slag used in a road construction project.
- The fastest time to lay and compact such a massive volume of steel slag-based concrete.
- The longest continuous road constructed using steel slag aggregate in a single project.
This multifaceted success demonstrates a comprehensive mastery of the novel construction technique. The use of steel slag, which is often considered industrial waste, provides a dual benefit. It offers a durable and cost-effective alternative to natural aggregates for road building, while simultaneously addressing the environmental challenge of slag disposal from steel mills.
The successful completion of this project on NH-16 is expected to significantly improve connectivity and reduce travel time between the port city of Visakhapatnam and the industrial areas in Anakapalli. It serves as a model for future highway projects across India, promoting the use of waste-to-wealth materials in nation-building.
This quartet of Guinness World Records firmly establishes India's National Highways Authority as a pioneer in innovative and sustainable infrastructure development. It marks a proud chapter in the country's journey towards building futuristic and resilient transport networks that can inspire the world.
