Maharashtra to use Fly Ash for Building Roads: Maharashtra has signed an agreement to promote the sustainable use of ash generated by thermal power plants in major infrastructure projects across the state. The Maharashtra State Power Generation Company, known as Mahanirmiti, and the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) signed the memorandum of understanding in the presence of Minister of State for Energy Meghna Sakore-Bordikar. Under the agreement, approximately 6.17 crore metric tonnes of ash are proposed to be used for planned expressway and mineral transport projects in eastern Maharashtra between January 2027 and December 2028.
The agreement was signed by Mahagenco Chairman and Managing Director Radhakrishnan B. IAS and MSRDC Vice Chairman and Managing Director Anilkumar B. Gaikwad. The initiative aims to support infrastructure development while improving the utilisation of ash generated by thermal power plants.
Four Major Projects to Use Fly Ash
The proposed ash requirement has been estimated for four infrastructure projects. The Nagpur-Gondia Expressway is expected to require 2.09 crore metric tonnes of ash, while the Bhandara-Gadchiroli Expressway is estimated to need 1.14 crore metric tonnes. The Nagpur-Chandrapur Expressway has an estimated requirement of 2.79 crore metric tonnes. Another 0.15 crore metric tonnes are proposed for the Navegaon More-Surjagad mineral transport corridor.
Together, these projects account for the proposed utilisation of 6.17 crore metric tonnes of ash. The actual quantities may change depending on technical requirements, site conditions and the availability of ash.
Ash to Be Sourced from Three Thermal Power Plants
Ash for projects in the Nagpur region will be supplied by the Koradi or Khaparkheda thermal power plants. Projects in the Chandrapur region will receive ash from the Chandrapur thermal power plant. Separate tripartite agreements will be signed between the concerned power stations, MSRDC and authorised contractors or relevant agencies. These agreements will define the quantity of ash, collection schedules, sources, transportation arrangements and terms for financial assistance. Claims for eligible financial assistance will be processed after the quantity of ash and its utilisation have been verified through the required measurements and documentation.
Focus on Sustainable Ash Utilisation
The agreement is also intended to reduce environmental and operational risks associated with long-term ash storage. Using existing ash stocks in infrastructure projects could help improve resource utilisation and reduce the need for prolonged storage. The transportation, handling and use of ash will have to comply with environmental regulations, technical standards and applicable legal provisions.
Maharashtra to use Fly Ash for Building Roads
The initiative aims to support the target of 100% ash utilisation under the Central Government’s ash notification dated December 31, 2021, and the implementation of Maharashtra’s ash utilisation policy dated September 19, 2025. The agreement will remain valid until March 31, 2032, or until the completion of the relevant projects, whichever comes first. Its duration may be extended with the approval of the competent authorities of both organisations.
The agreement is expected to create a framework for the sustainable use of ash in Maharashtra’s infrastructure projects. The actual utilisation and environmental benefits will depend on project execution, technical requirements and compliance with applicable standards.
