Bitumens for road paving applications are derived from refining of crude oils. Their quality depends upon the nature and origin of crude and processing scheme. Bitumen manufacture since the late eighties has undergone significant changes, basically due to better understanding of chemistry of hydrocarbons constituting the feedstocks, processing chemistry and final bitumen through the use of advanced analytical techniques and understanding of the mechanism of aggregate interaction. In view of this, there are fast developments in the technology of bitumen making, some of which are : (i) detailed characterisation of feedstocks and fluxes, (ii) better understanding of the role of different types of constituting hydrocarbons on performance properties, (iii) upgradation of process technology, based on reaction kinetics, (iv) multigrading concept to have bitumen with low temperature susceptibility and acceptable performance level in extreme climatic conditions, and (v) use of unconventional (non-bitumen bearing) crudes in making bitumen. The present review examines some of the above on going developments for their application in improving quality and technology of bitumen making.