Meet the “Plastic Man of India” Who Turned Waste Into Roads of the Future

Dr. Rajagopalan Vasudevan, a retired chemistry professor from Madurai, has become a symbol of innovation and sustainability in India. What began as a passion project has transformed one of the country’s most pressing issues—plastic waste—into an eco-friendly solution that is reshaping the future of infrastructure.

Since 2002, Dr. Vasudevan has championed a revolutionary method: shredding discarded plastic and mixing it with bitumen to create stronger, longer-lasting, and more durable roads. These plastic roads are not only more resistant to potholes, water damage, and wear, but they also cut construction costs and contribute to cleaning up the environment by reducing plastic waste.

Today, over 100,000 kilometers of plastic roads span across India, a testament to Dr. Vasudevan’s vision of blending science with sustainability. His groundbreaking work has earned him the title of “Plastic Man of India” and the prestigious Padma Shri award in 2018, solidifying his place as a national hero in the fight against plastic pollution.

 Dr. Vasudevan’s innovation has shown the world that creativity and courage can turn our waste into something valuable, proving that even the most overlooked materials can help pave the way to a greener, more sustainable future.